Thessaloniki, Greece – A remarkable archaeological discovery has captured attention as a marble statue of a woman, believed to be over 2,000 years old, was found abandoned in a garbage bag not far from the city of Thessaloniki. The statue, measuring 80 centimeters (31 inches), was located beside a trash bin in Neoi Epivates by a local resident who promptly alerted authorities.

Upon examination by experts, it was determined that the statue originates from the Hellenistic era, a significant period from 320 to 30 B.C., renowned for its cultural and artistic developments following the conquests of Alexander the Great. Art historians emphasize that this statue offers a vital glimpse into the artistic sophistication of that time.

The statue will undergo further assessments before being transferred to the local antiquities authority for preservation and detailed study. In the meantime, law enforcement has initiated an investigation to identify those responsible for discarding the artifact, having briefly detained a man who was released without charges.

Accidental archaeological findings like this are relatively common in Greece, a nation steeped in ancient history and culture. In a recent occurrence, workers installing natural gas pipelines near Athens uncovered a Roman-era statue of Hermes buried upright near the Acropolis. Additionally, a treasure trove of antiquities revealed during the construction of Thessaloniki's new metro system has showcased several significant historical artifacts, including a marble-paved Roman road and thousands of items from various epochs, all now exhibited in subway stations.

This incident not only underscores Greece's rich historical narrative but also highlights the ongoing challenges of protecting such artifacts in urban environments where accidental discoveries frequently occur. For more information, refer to this [source](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/archaeology/statue-rubbish-bag-greece-b2684366.html) for additional context.