Ancient 2,000-Year-Old Statue Discovered Abandoned Near Trash Bins in Greece

"2,000-Year-Old Statue Found Near Trash in Greece"

Greek police are investigating the discovery of a headless ancient statue found in a black plastic bag near garbage cans in Thessaloniki.
Alex Chen3 hours agoLast Update :
2,000-year-old statue found dumped near garbage cans in Greece
www.cbsnews.com

Police in Greece are investigating the discovery of an ancient Greek statue found dumped in a black plastic bag near garbage cans in Thessaloniki on January 22, 2025. The statue, believed to be from the Hellenistic period, was brought to the police by a 32-year-old man who found it near dustbins.

6 Key Takeaways
  • Ancient Greek statue found in Thessaloniki
  • Investigated by organized crime unit
  • Statue dates back to Hellenistic period
  • Transferred for lab tests and evaluation
  • Illegal antiquities traffic remains a concern
  • Similar discoveries of ancient artifacts in Europe
Fast Answer: An ancient Greek statue was found discarded in Thessaloniki, prompting an investigation by local police. The headless statue, dating back to the Hellenistic period, was reported by a man who discovered it in a plastic bag near garbage bins. It will undergo lab tests and evaluation by the antiquities service.

The discovery of the statue highlights ongoing concerns regarding the illegal trafficking of antiquities in Greece. Authorities are particularly vigilant due to the country’s rich archaeological heritage, which frequently yields new finds during construction and roadwork. The statue measures 32 by 10 inches and is currently undergoing assessment by the archaeology service.

Key details include:

  • Statue is headless and dates back to the Hellenistic period (323-31 BC).
  • Initial assessment by authorities confirms its historical significance.
  • It will be transferred for further analysis and conservation.

Similar incidents of ancient artifacts being found in trash have occurred in Europe. In 2023, a Roman-era statuette of Venus was discovered in a dump in France, and ancient bronze statues were found in Tuscany, Italy. These events underscore the ongoing challenges of preserving cultural heritage amidst modern waste management practices.

Notice: Canadian readers interested in archaeology should note that similar issues regarding the preservation of historical artifacts can arise in Canada, particularly in areas with Indigenous heritage. Awareness and respect for cultural artifacts are crucial in all regions.

The investigation into the statue found in Thessaloniki is part of broader efforts to combat the illegal trade in antiquities. As authorities continue to explore the origins of this statue, it serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting and valuing historical artifacts.

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