by InTrieste
On this day 52 years ago, the world was stunned by the discovery of the Riace Bronzes, two ancient Greek warrior statues, in the Ionian Sea off the coast of Italy’s southern Calabria region. Found by chance on August 16, 1972, these masterpieces of classical antiquity have since become emblematic of the enduring allure of ancient art.
The discovery occurred near the small town of Riace Marina, when Stefano Mariotti, an amateur scuba diver from Rome, stumbled upon the statues submerged in the seabed. The statues, dating from 460-430 BC and believed to represent heroic warriors, were carefully retrieved by carabinieri officers—a moment captured in striking photographs that quickly circulated around the globe.
The origin of the ‘Bronzi di Riace,’ as they are known in Italian, remains shrouded in mystery. Scholars have long speculated that the statues were being transported on a ship that sank, possibly during a violent storm. However, the absence of any conclusive evidence of a shipwreck has kept this theory in the realm of educated conjecture.
Standing nearly two meters tall, the bronzes are considered among the finest examples of Greek sculpture, likely part of a larger sculptural group. Their muscular forms and intricate details offer a glimpse into the artistry and skill of ancient Greek sculptors, continuing to inspire admiration and study.
Following their discovery, the bronzes were transferred to Florence, where they underwent extensive restoration between 1975 and 1980. Today, they are the crown jewels of the Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria, drawing visitors from around the world eager to witness their imposing presence and exquisite craftsmanship.
Currently, the museum is hosting a special exhibition, Gli Dei Ritornano (The Gods Return), featuring ancient bronze statues unearthed two years ago at San Casciano. The exhibit, which runs until January 12, 2025, offers a rare opportunity to see these recently discovered treasures alongside the renowned Riace Bronzes, further cementing the museum’s status as a must-visit destination for lovers of ancient art.
