An ancient marble statue dating back more than 2,000 years was discovered in a black bag near garbage bins in a residential area of Thessaloniki, Greece. According to a January 22 press release by the Greek Police, the artifact was handed over by a 32-year-old man to local authorities on January 18.
The Unexpected Discovery
The statue, found in Thessaloniki’s Thermaikos district, was delivered to the Thermaikos Crime Investigation and Prosecution Department. Authorities immediately involved an archaeologist from the Ephorate of Antiquities, who confirmed its Hellenistic period (323 B.C.–30 B.C.) origins. The Greek Police have stated that the artifact falls under Greece’s antiquities legislation, which classifies all archaeological discoveries as state property.
Classical studies expert Estelle Strazdins from the Australian National University offered insights into the statue’s artistic and cultural significance. The statue’s loose drapery and marble material suggest it depicts a goddess and was likely used as a temple offering. Strazdins told The Washington Post:
“The fact that it is marble suggests that it was probably dedicated in a temple. Because of the size — around 30 inches (0.76 metres) — it would not be the main statue in the sanctuary, but it might be a gift that someone has given to the god either to thank them for something or in the hopes of getting some kind of grant.”
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities launched an investigation into how the statue ended up abandoned near garbage bins. The Greek Police Cultural Heritage Protection Office is leading efforts to trace its origins and potential ties to illegal antiquities trafficking. CNN reported that a man was briefly detained for questioning but later released without charges.
The discovery underscores ongoing challenges in combating the unauthorized trade of cultural artifacts, an issue especially prominent in regions like Greece with a rich archaeological heritage.
Preservation and Study
The statue was seized by police and sent to the Forensic Investigations Sub-Directorate of Northern Greece for laboratory examination. Once analyzed, it will be handed over to the Ephorate of Antiquities, responsible for safeguarding and studying ancient artifacts. Experts hope to uncover details about its exact origin, artistic style, and cultural context.
Thessaloniki’s Historical Context
Thessaloniki, founded in 315 B.C. by Cassander of Macedon, has been a key cultural and economic center for centuries. Its history as a crossroads of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations makes it a treasure trove for archaeological discoveries. The discovery of this statue adds to its legacy as a city deeply connected to ancient Greek art and religion.
This unexpected find highlights the enduring legacy of Hellenistic Greece and the challenges of preserving such heritage. It serves as a reminder of the cultural richness of Thessaloniki while emphasizing the importance of ongoing efforts to protect historical artifacts from theft and neglect.
As authorities investigate the artifact’s journey to its unlikely resting place, the statue offers an invaluable link to the past, waiting to be fully understood.
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