Thanks to 3D print Zeus rose from ashes

Additive technology experts from Stratasys and 3DPTree have once again proved that 3D printing is a perfect tool for reconstruction of ancient works of art. They managed to print a statue of Zeus that once was located in Olympia and considered to be the object of ancient Greek athletes’ devotion. Today the recreation of one of the Wonders of the Ancient World is displayed at the Millennium Gate Museum in Atlanta.

A giant statue of Zeus was created in the 5th century B.C. by Phidias, the famous sculptor of the time. The original statue was 13 m tall masterpiece, made of wood and decorated with gold and ivory. Unfortunately, it was destroyed during the fire in the same century. Only thanks to the images on coins and descriptions left by historians, modern experts got the information about the statue. 

The additive technology experts decided to recreate the long-lost Wonder of the World. Using the descriptions and images of the original statue, they’ve created a 3D model and printed a 2-meter replica piece by piece using Stratasys thermoplastic. Legs of the God were printed in 20 hours, his body – in 2 days. The whole printing process took 3 days.

Additive technologies are used for the reconstruction of lost works of art not for the first time. For example, recently 3D specialists have reconstructed the Monumental Arch of Palmyra, demolished by ISIS militants.