A 2,000-year-old statue is found abandoned in a garbage bag in Greece

A fascinating discovery was made near the Greek city of Thessaloniki, as a marble statue of a woman believed to be over 2,000 years old was found abandoned in a garbage bag. The 80-centimeter (31-inch) headless statue was discovered by a resident next to a trash bin in Neoi Epivates, outside the city. The man who found it promptly turned it over to local authorities, who then contacted archaeologists to assess its historical significance.

Experts have determined that the statue dates back to the Hellenistic era, a period known for its flourishing art and culture between 320 and 30 B.C. This period followed the conquests of Alexander the Great and produced some of the most iconic pieces of ancient art.

The statue has been sent for further examination by archaeologists and will eventually be handed over to the local antiquities authority for preservation and study. Police have launched an investigation to determine who discarded the statue and briefly detained a man for questioning, who was later released without charge.

Accidental archaeological discoveries are not uncommon in Greece, a country rich in ancient heritage. Often these discoveries are made during building construction or public works projects. Just last December, workers installing natural gas pipelines near Athens stumbled upon a Roman-era statue of Hermes buried upright in a brick-lined pit near the Acropolis.

Thessaloniki, known for its rich history, recently unveiled a treasure trove of antiquities found during the construction of its metro system. The metro officially opened in November, showcasing key finds such as a Roman thoroughfare paved with marble and tens of thousands of artifacts spanning Greek, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods at various subway stations.

The preservation and study of these ancient artifacts are crucial for understanding and appreciating the rich cultural history of Greece. The rediscovery of this marble statue serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting and cherishing our past.