Ancient Greek statue from 2,000 years ago found in trash bag
The recently discovered statue, missing its arms and head, is being investigated by Greek authorities. (Photo via Greek Police)
A marble statue estimated to be around 2,000 years old has been discovered inside a trash bag near Thessaloniki, Greece. Authorities revealed that the ancient artifact was found discarded in a garbage container, raising questions about its origins and how it ended up there.
Chance discovery by local resident
The astonishing find was made in Neoi Epivates, a coastal area near Thessaloniki. A resident noticed an 80-centimeter-tall, headless statue and promptly reported it to the authorities. The local administration then contacted archaeologists to assess the historical significance of the piece.
According to an initial assessment by experts, the statue is believed to date back to the Hellenistic period (320-30 B.C.), an era marked by the expansion of art and culture following the conquests of Alexander the Great.
Archaeologists conducting further examination
The statue has been transferred to a local antiquities preservation institution for detailed analysis. Archaeologists are currently working to determine its historical and cultural significance. Meanwhile, the police have launched an investigation to uncover who discarded the artifact and why.
Authorities briefly detained one individual for questioning, but no formal charges were filed, and the person was later released.
Unexpected archaeological finds in Greece
Greece, home to a rich archaeological heritage, often witnesses accidental discoveries of ancient artifacts, particularly during construction and infrastructure projects.
In December, workers laying a natural gas pipeline near Athens made a remarkable find—a Roman-era Hermes statue buried upright in a brick-lined pit near the Acropolis. Similarly, Thessaloniki’s newly inaugurated metro system has showcased numerous ancient artifacts unearthed during its decadeslong construction.
Among these are a marble-paved Roman street and thousands of relics from Greek, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods, now on display within metro stations.
