Carlos Solis
During excavations in the ancient city of Gela, which preceded construction work, archaeologists uncovered a unique writing instrument dating back to the 5th century B.C. This stylus is topped with a figure of Dionysus, complete with a phallic symbol. At that time, Gela was a Greek colony.
A stylus is a pointed tool used to write or make marks on clay or wax, Live Science reported.
Daniela Vullo, head of the Cultural and Environmental Heritage Office of Caltanissetta (the municipality where the artifact was found), described the stylus as “a unique specimen in the archaeological landscape of its time.”
What else is known about the discovery?
The stylus discovered by archaeologists measures 13.2 centimeters in length and was carved from bone 2,500 years ago. It features a somber depiction of Dionysus with an erect phallus. According to archaeologists, the ancient craftsman fashioned the stylus in the shape of a herm of Dionysus.
Herms were ancient Greek sculptures (often vertical stone blocks) that typically depicted only a head and male genitals. These figures served as protective markers and were usually placed at crossroads, borders, boundary points, and in front of temples.
Researchers suggested that the stylus may have been used to make marks on pottery.
“Because of its unique characteristics, this artifact deserves to be accessible for public viewing,” Ms. Vullo said.
In addition to the stylus, archaeologists also uncovered a large coin from the Hellenistic period (4th-1st century B.C.). Excavations are ongoing.
