An ancient marble statue was recently discovered in a garbage bag near Thessaloniki, Greece. The statue, which is over 2,000 years old, was found by a local resident next to a trash bin in the town of Neoi Epivates, near Greece’s second-largest city. Archaeologists have confirmed that the statue dates back to the Hellenistic period, a time known for significant advancements in art and culture after the conquests of Alexander the Great. The statue, measuring 80 centimeters, is being studied and preserved by local antiquities authorities for further examination.

Following the discovery, police began an investigation to determine who discarded the statue. Although a man was briefly questioned, he was released without charge. Accidental archaeological finds like this one are common in Greece, which has a rich ancient history. Similar discoveries, such as a Roman-era statue of Hermes, were recently made during public projects like construction. These findings are essential as they provide valuable knowledge about Greece’s past, underscoring the importance of preserving cultural artifacts for the future.