The Facts

The Riace Warriors are two bronze sculptures found in the sea, near the coast of South Italy (in a region called Calabria), in 1972. They are believed two represent an old (probably Athenian) and a young (probably Corinthian) warrior, and they are considered part of the transition between the archaic period and the classic period (460-420 BCE). 

Bronze sculptures are usually hard to find, because the material was often molten for weapon-making, and it is susceptible to erosion. These particular statues are hollow, which made them easier to transport; in fact, it is believed they were on a sinking boat, and this is why they were found preserved in mud in the bottom of the sea.

This accident was beneficial to modern humans, since the statues give us deep insight into one of the Greek artistic revolutions. Still, they represent a mystery to be solved: who were them? Why would someone make a statue of them?

We propose a plausible solution for this mystery.

Who knows? We may even be right. 

Lahanas, M. (n.d.) The Riace Warriors [Found in http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/Arts/RiaceWarrior.htm, 10/19/2014, 4:19 p.m.]