A remarkable discovery has emerged from Thessaloniki, Greece, where a marble statue of a woman, believed to be over 2,000 years old, was discovered discarded in a garbage bag. Local authorities were alerted by a resident who found the headless statue, measuring 80 centimeters (31 inches), beside a trash bin in Neoi Epivates. The individual promptly reported the find to the police, who engaged archaeologists to evaluate its significance, according to AP News.

Experts have tentatively dated the statue to the Hellenistic era (approximately 320 to 30 B.C.), a prolific period for art and culture that followed the conquests of Alexander the Great. This era is renowned for its artistic advancements, making the statue a significant find, as noted by The Independent.

After initial assessments confirmed its historical importance, archaeologists have sent the statue for further examination and it will eventually be transferred to the local antiquities authority for preservation. In light of this discovery, police have initiated an investigation to identify the individual who discarded the statue, questioning a man who was later released without charges.

Accidental discoveries of such antiquities are relatively common in Greece, given its rich archaeological heritage. Recent findings, such as a Roman-era statue of Hermes uncovered during the installation of natural gas pipelines near Athens, further highlight this trend. Additionally, Thessaloniki has recently showcased numerous artifacts revealed during the long-awaited completion of its metro system, including a marble-paved Roman road and various artifacts from the Greek, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods, as detailed by CNN.

This incident serves as a reminder of Greece’s wealth of ancient history and the continuing importance of archaeological preservation. The local authorities remain committed to investigating the circumstances surrounding the abandonment of this significant artifact.