In 2013, the Gaza Strip became the unexpected stage for the discovery of a rare bronze statue of the ancient Greek god Apollo, dated to between the 5th and 1st Century BC. This remarkable artifact, now secured by authorities, first caught the public’s attention after a brief appearance on eBay before being withdrawn from the platform.
The discovery was made by Joudat Ghrab, a Palestinian fisherman, during an expedition in August 2013. Ghrab initially mistook the figure for a burnt body when he found it submerged in the shallow waters near the Gaza-Egypt border. His find quickly turned into a saga of art and intrigue.
The statue features Apollo with distinctive curly hair and an intricately detailed eye that may have once held a blue stone iris. Standing with an outstretched arm and open palm, the statue embodies the elegance and mystery of ancient Greek artistry.
Italian journalist Fabio Scuto played a pivotal role in bringing this story to international attention through his writings and photographs published in La Repubblica. The ensuing media coverage sparked sufficient interest to lead to the intervention of local authorities, who have since secured the statue to ensure its preservation.
This historical marvel highlights the rich cultural legacy hidden beneath the region’s troubled surface and opens new avenues for archaeological inquiry. Further studies are anticipated to uncover more about the origins and journey of this stunning piece, as researchers and historians work together to solve the mystery of Apollo’s journey to Gaza.