A partial statue of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, was recently found in Jerash, northern Jordan (biblical Gerasa). Only the lower half of the statue was found, yet it alone is over five feet tall. Researchers estimate that when they find the upper half, the full statue will stand over ten feet tall. An inscription on the base says it represents the Greek goddess of love, passion and beauty. It also states that the statue was made to request that the gods heal a sick emperor. The excavations were the collaboration of a French/German group, the Department of Antiquities, and the University of Jordan. It was in this area around Gerasa that Jesus healed the demon-possessed man who lived among the tombs (Mark 5/Luke 8).
Off-site Links:
- http://www.realmofhistory.com/2016/05/20/aphrodite-statue-found-jerash-jordan/
- https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.ca/2016/05/aphrodite-statue-discovered-in-jerash.html#MJPmea7oLYBLZiBi.97
