Greek archaeologists have discovered ancient marble workshops on the Aegean island of Paros, filled with partially finished statues, shedding new light on the island’s historical role as both a supplier and producer of classical Greek sculpture.
The Hellenistic-era site, located in the area of Floga in Parikia, was uncovered by the Cyclades Antiquities Society under the supervision of Greece’s Ministry of Culture. The workshop, dating to the late 3rd century BCE, includes numerous marble fragments and unfinished sculptures, most notably depictions of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love.
Paros, renowned in antiquity for its high-quality, semi-translucent white marble — known as Parian marble — was widely used in iconic temples and sculptures, including the famed Venus de Milo. The new findings suggest the island was not just a quarrying site but also a significant artistic center contributing directly to classical art production.
“The volume and nature of the artifacts indicate that Paros functioned as a major production hub, possibly exporting marble works to other Greek regions,” the ministry said in a statement.
Alongside statues, archaeologists uncovered clay model heads and molds, indicating that artists likely began their creative process with clay prototypes before carving in marble. A dense layer of marble dust and debris further points to continuous workshop activity over an extended period.
The discovery also includes a domestic space with a pebble floor and a painted mural, believed to be an andron — a room traditionally used by men for social gatherings and cultural discussions. The presence of the mural offers rare insight into the visual culture of the time, often overlooked in favor of surviving sculptures.
Experts say the findings highlight the integration of artistic production into daily life in ancient Paros. “This discovery paints a fuller picture of how art, community, and craftsmanship were deeply intertwined in ancient Greek society,” the ministry added.