Ancient Greek building filled with gold and adorned with marble lions found in huge discovery

Archaeologists in Greece have uncovered a magnificent ancient building adorned with marble lion sculptures and a treasure trove of gold artifacts, including a winged Eros earring

Archaeologists in Greece have hit the jackpot with the unearthing of a magnificent ancient structure, complete with marble lion sculptures and stunning gold decorations.

This echoes last year’s discovery when archaeologists found an ancient Greek statue tucked away in a Roman sewer. The excavation began in early October near Aigio on the Peloponnese peninsula, about five miles southwest of the modern city, as announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture, who also celebrated a significant discovery at an ancient shipwreck.

The site is steeped in historical significance, linked to an ancient city in the Achaea region. Researchers zeroed in on a building identified by the gamma symbol (“Γ”), thought to date back before 300 BC.

As they dug, the team unearthed numerous stone blocks and column fragments, and exposed the impressive 55ft-long southern edge of the structure, among other key components of the ancient edifice.

Present findings indicate that this could be the “heroon” of the area—a revered shrine or sanctuary established to venerate a hero. In ancient Greece, heroons were constructed to commemorate notable individuals from myths or local legends, often at sites associated with them, such as legendary burial grounds or scenes of remarkable deeds.

Across ancient Greece, the size and complexity of these hallowed buildings differed—some were modest altars for reflection, others large compounds with cult statues and used to host rites like sacrifices and grand celebrations. Excavations within the monument revealed untouched burials and a sarcophagus filled with “valuable” artifacts boasting considerable artistic worth, reports the Express US.

Noteworthy among the finds were gold earrings featuring lion head motifs; a luxurious gold earring fashioned in the image of Eros, the winged deity of love, au naturel, brandishing a scepter and a laurel in his hands; and a lavishly ornamented gold necklace. Eros, known as Cupid to the Romans, is enshrined in Greek mythology as the avatar of desire and romance, often portrayed as a sprightly being decked with wings, wielding a bow, and ready with an arrow.

These sumptuous grave goods shine a light on the immense wealth and prominent societal standing of those entombed there. Buried beneath the debris that adorned the site, researchers unearthed pieces of several lion figures, masterfully carved from the illustrious Pentelic marble—a celebrated white stone sourced from Mount Pentelikon in Attica, admired for its warm golden glow.

This particular marble holds great fame, especially since it was chosen for crafting revered Grecian monuments and sculptures. The iconic Parthenon, perched atop Athens’ Acropolis, is perhaps the ultimate example of Pentelic marble.

This material was highly prized by ancient civilizations for its exceptional durability and aesthetic appeal, making it the go-to choice for their most grandiose structures and sculptures.