A remarkable discovery was made near Thessaloniki, Greece, when a marble statue, believed to be more than 2,000 years old, was found abandoned in a garbage bag. The statue, measuring 80 centimeters (31 inches), was located by a resident beside a trash bin in Neoi Epivates, a town just outside Greece’s second-largest city. Upon the discovery, the local authorities were notified, and archaeologists quickly assessed the significance of the find. Experts confirmed that the statue dates back to the Hellenistic era, a period known for flourishing art and culture following the conquests of Alexander the Great. The statue is currently under further examination by archaeologists and will eventually be handed over to the local antiquities authority for preservation and study.

Police launched an investigation to identify the individual who discarded the statue. A man was briefly detained for questioning, but he was later released without charge. This discovery adds to the long history of accidental archaeological findings in Greece, which is renowned for its ancient heritage. Such discoveries are often made during construction work or public projects. A recent example is the uncovering of a Roman-era statue of Hermes during the installation of a natural gas pipeline near Athens. Moreover, Thessaloniki recently showcased a collection of ancient artifacts found during the construction of its metro system. These finds are significant as they provide valuable insight into Greece’s rich history, underscoring the importance of preserving such cultural treasures.