The Riace Bronzes May 2026

Chemist Stefano Mariottini spotted a human forearm projecting from the seabed on August 16, 1972.

Crafted using the lost-wax casting method, which allowed for intricate details like curly hair and beards. The Riace bronzes

The Riace Bronzes (often called "Warrior A" and "Warrior B") are two full-size Greek bronze statues dating from . Discovered by chance in 1972 by a scuba diver off the coast of Calabria, Italy, they are among the few surviving original Greek bronzes in existence, as most others were melted down in antiquity. 1. Discovery & Recovery Discovered by chance in 1972 by a scuba

Both stand nearly 2 meters tall (approximately 197–198 cm ). The statues are celebrated for their , including

The statues are celebrated for their , including visible tendons in the hands and detailed cuticles on the nails.

An underwater archaeology team used pressurized air balloons and oil drums to lift the statues, which were initially mistaken by local police for a possible murder case. 2. Artistic & Technical Details

Both utilize contrapposto , a naturalistic pose where the weight is shifted onto one leg. 3. Scientific Research & Mystery The Riace Bronzes: history, discovery and curiosities