ia AP)
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — A bust of
the ancient god Hermes, in good condition, was discovered in central Athens
during sewage work, authorities said Sunday.The Greek Culture Ministry said
that the head, one of many that served as street markers in ancient Athens, was
found Friday and it appears to be from around 300 B.C. — that is, either from the
late fourth century B.C., or the early third century. It depicts Hermes at “a
mature age,” the ministry said, in contrast to his usual depictions as
youthful.
The head is in the style of famed
Greek sculpture Alcamenes, who flourished in the second half of fifth century
B.C., the ministry said.
After serving as a street marker,
the head, at some point, had been built into the wall of a drainage duct, the
ministry said.