Gaby
A resident of the village of Neo Epivatés, about 12 miles from Thessaloniki, discovered an 80-centimeter marble statue in a dumpster. The statue was wrapped inside a trash bag. The man immediately reported the find to authorities.
Archaeological experts who examined the statue date it to the Hellenistic period (320–30 BC). That era ran from the death of Alexander the Great to the fall of the Ptolemaic Kingdom and saw a major flourishing of culture.
The discarded statue offers a rare glimpse into that era. After an initial assessment, archaeologists confirmed its Greek origin and estimated it to be more than 2,000 years old. It will undergo a more detailed examination before being transferred to the local antiquities department for preservation.
Police have launched an investigation to determine who discarded the statue. The man who found it was questioned and released without charges.
In Greece, accidental discoveries are not uncommon
In a country known for its rich historical and cultural heritage, unexpected finds happen frequently. Artifacts are often uncovered during construction or renovation work, as reported by The Independent.
In December last year, workers laying gas pipes in Athens stumbled upon a Roman-period statue of Hermes near the Acropolis. The rare piece had been hidden upright in a brick-lined pit.
Recently in Thessaloniki, an entire collection of antiquities unearthed during years of subway construction was showcased after the system opened in November 2024.
