Archaeologists working in the ancient city of Heraclea Sintica have found a statue of a Greek god in a Roman-era sewer. "CITY ABANDONED AFTER EARTHQUAKE"Scientists have determined that Heraclea Sintica, founded by Macedonian King Philip II between 356 and 339 BC, was destroyed by an earthquake in the late 4th century AD. They state that the ancient city rapidly declined after the natural disaster and was completely abandoned around the 5th century AD. APPROXIMATELY 2 METERS TALLThe excavation teams in Heraclea Sintica came across a statue believed to depict the Greek god Hermes. The approximately 2-meter-tall statue is thought to have been placed in the sewer and covered with soil after the earthquake, which contributed to its excellent preservation. "A FEW BROKEN PIECES IN THE HANDS"Archaeologist Lyudmil Vagalinski adds, "The head is intact and in very good condition. There are a few broken pieces in the hands." He also mentions that the statue is a Roman-made copy of an artwork belonging to the Ancient Greeks.
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