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Ancient marble sculptures dating back around 1,700 years have been uncovered near Binyamina during archaeological work linked to a major transport infrastructure project.
The discovery was made at a Roman-Byzantine winepress excavation conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority as part of the “Connecting Israel” initiative, which is being carried out by the Ministry of Transportation and Israel Railways. Archaeologists found two marble busts, known as protomes, buried inside a wine collection pit.
Researchers said the sculptures were discovered lying face down in an orderly arrangement, indicating they had been deliberately placed there after the winepress ceased operating. Their original location remains unknown.
One of the busts bears a Greek inscription containing the name “Lycurgus.” According to Israel Antiquities Authority expert Dr. Peter Gendelman, the inscription may refer to either Lycurgus of Sparta, traditionally regarded as the city's founder, or Lycurgus of Athens, a prominent statesman and orator of the 4th century BCE.
The find adds to a collection of portrait sculptures of notable historical figures previously uncovered in the Caesarea region. During the Roman era, works of this type commonly decorated public buildings as well as the residences of wealthy individuals who wished to associate themselves with the classical traditions of the ancient world.
Archaeologists also identified the remains of a bathhouse close to the site. The proximity of these structures has led researchers to consider whether the sculptures once formed part of the decoration of an affluent villa belonging to a resident of Caesarea.
The statues will be presented to the public before undergoing cleaning, conservation treatment and further study.
