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Michelangelo’s David’s weak ankles make him vulnerable to collapse

Posted at 10:54 AM, May 02, 2014
and last updated 2014-05-02 10:54:27-04

One of the world’s most famous statues is in danger of collapsing.

david1New tests performed by the National Research Council and Florence University have revealed that Michelangelo’s David has tiny fractures in his ankles, which means it’s at risk for toppling over.

Researchers believe that the vibrations caused by the millions of tourists who flock to see the statue, as well as the rumbling of passing traffic, have contributed to the statue’s damage.

They also say that the statue, which is 17-feet-tall and weighs over 12,000 pounds, leaned at an angle for more than a century, and is also constructed from a poor quality marble.

Many have been calling for the statue to be removed from the Galleria dell’Accademia and moved to a specially-built, earthquake-proof museum.