Archaeologists on the Greek island of Paros have uncovered a Hellenistic marble workshop at the site of Floga in Parikia. The dig, overseen by the Cyclades Archaeological Society and directed by Sofia Detoratou, revealed a large number of unfinished marble statues—mainly of Aphrodite—along with clay heads, molds, seals, and a thick layer of marble dust, indicating organized sculpture production. The site shows evidence of settlement from the late 5th century B.C.E., with the workshop emerging around the end of the 3rd century B.C.E.
This discovery matters because it confirms that Paros was not only a source of prized Parian marble—used for masterpieces like the Venus de Milo—but also a center for shaping the aesthetics of ancient Greek art. The workshop provides rare insight into the production process and the island's role in both supplying raw materials and actively contributing to the artistic legacy of Greek civilization.