A unique ivory statuette depicting the god Harpokrates was discovered by archaeologists from the Bosporos Archaeological Expedition of the Research Centre for History and Archaeology of Crimea, the Crimean Federal University in Vernadsky and the Centre for Archaeological Research Foundation Demeter.

The statuette, which is exceptionally well preserved, was discovered during the excavations of the ancient city of Tyritake (Greek Diya) located in the southern part of modern Kerch.

Dating from the first century BC the statuette is believed to depict the child god Harpokrates, "with a cornucopia, as well as two satyrs and a goose," said Alexander Aybabin, director of the Research Centre for History and Archaeology of Crimea.

Harpokrates was the god of silence, secrets and confidentiality in the Hellenistic religion developed in Ptolemaic Alexandria (and also an embodiment of hope, according to Plutarch). Harpokrates was adapted by the Greeks from the Egyptian child god Horus.

The head of the expedition, Viktor Zinko, added that this year work was carried out in two areas in the ancient city. Investigations focussed on the northern fortress wall of the ancient city, which in the second half of the fourth and early third centuries BC served as a powerful defensive structure..

In 2018, scientists began researching the residential quarter to the south of the city wall, where they found an early medieval building with a large stone stove in its upper cultural layers.

In the central part of the city, the western city wall and the buildings adjacent to it were also investigated. This part of the city fortification wall was built at the end of the 6th century BC. During the course of excavations, a number of structures dating from the sixth to first centuries BC were discovered.

"In addition to the statuette of the god Harpokrates, various amphorae, pottery and bronze coins were also found,” said Viktor Zinko.

Source: Crimea Press [October 01, 2018]