The Captivating Tale of the Riace Bronzes
It was a day that shook the world – the accidental discovery of the Riace Bronzes, two majestic ancient Greek warrior statues, hidden beneath the waters of the Ionian Sea off the enchanting coast of Calabria, Italy, 52 years ago.
Dating back to 460-430 BC, these iconic statues, also known as the Riace Warriors, were salvaged from the seabed near Porto Forticchio di Riace Marina on 16th August 1972, thanks to the keen eye of Stefano Mariotti, a brave amateur scuba diver from Rome, whose brave find was immortalized in images that captured hearts across the globe.
The mystery surrounding the origin of the ‘Bronzi di Riace’ adds to their allure, with theories suggesting they may have been part of a ship that tragically sank, potentially in a storm, though no wreckage has ever been located.
Standing at nearly two meters tall, these statues, believed to embody heroic warriors, are thought to have been part of a larger sculptural ensemble that has captivated audiences for centuries.
After undergoing painstaking restoration in Florence between 1975 and 1980, the Riace Bronzes now take center stage at the Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria, where visitors can marvel at their timeless beauty and craftsmanship.
The museum is currently hosting an exhibition titled Gli Dei ritornano, showcasing the ancient bronze statues discovered at San Casciano two years ago, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the rich history and artistry of these extraordinary artifacts until 12th January 2025.
