Ancient Greek Statue Found Dumped Near Garbage Cans in Thessaloniki
Police in Greece are investigating how an ancient Greek statue ended up in a black plastic bag near garbage cans in the northern city of Thessaloniki. The organized crime unit said it was investigating after a 32-year-old man turned in the statue, which he reportedly found near dustbins.
According to the initial assessment by the archaeology service, the headless statue dates back to the Hellenistic period (323–31 BC). Authorities released a photo of the artifact, which measures 32 by 10 inches.The statue will be transferred to the crime inquiry team in northern Greece for lab tests before being evaluated and conserved by the antiquities service.Greece’s rich archaeological heritage frequently enough leads to accidental discoveries during construction or public works. In December, workers installing natural gas pipelines near Athens uncovered a Roman-era statue of Hermes buried upright in a brick-lined pit near the Acropolis. Similarly, Thessaloniki recently unveiled a trove of antiquities discovered during the decades-long construction of its metro system, which opened in November. Key finds, including a marble-paved Roman thoroughfare and tens of thousands of artifacts from the Greek, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods, are now displayed at subway stations.
Ancient statues have also been found in trash in other parts of Europe.In 2023,a Roman-era statuette of Venus was discovered in a trash dump in Rennes, France. That same year, ancient bronze statues were found in a garbage dump in Tuscany, Italy. In 2013, a 1,800-year-old carved stone head, possibly depicting a Roman god, was found in an ancient trash dump in England.
| Key Details | Information |
|——————|—————–|
| location | Thessaloniki, Greece |
| Artifact | Headless Hellenistic statue |
| Dimensions | 32 x 10 inches |
| Discovery | Found in a black plastic bag near garbage cans |
| Next Steps | Lab tests, evaluation, and conservation |
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of protecting Greece’s ancient treasures, which are often targeted by illegal traffickers. As authorities work to uncover how the statue ended up in such an unlikely place, the discovery serves as a reminder of the country’s enduring archaeological significance.
Headline:
Unveiling Greece’s Enduring Heritage: A Chat with Dr. Eleni Angelopoulou on the Mysterious Thessaloniki Statue Discovery
Interview:
Unveiling Greece’s Enduring Heritage: A Chat with Dr. Eleni Angelopoulou on the Mysterious Thessaloniki Statue Discovery
John Doe: Welcome to our interview today, Dr. Eleni Angelopoulou, a renowned archaeologist and Greek antiquity expert.Dr. Angelopoulou,let’s dive into the recently discovered headless Hellenistic statue in Thessaloniki,found in a rather unlikely place – near garbage cans. Could you share your initial thoughts on this fascinating find?
Dr. Eleni angelopoulou: Thank you, John. Yes, this is indeed a captivating discovery. Frist, it’s crucial to note that Greece’s rich archaeological heritage frequently enough leads to both accidental and intriguing discoveries like this. The statue’s origins date back to the Hellenistic period, roughly around the 3rd century BC, which was a culturally diverse and vibrant era in Greek history.
John Doe: Indeed. Now, what intrigues us all is how this statue ended up in a black plastic bag near garbage cans. Any theories on this?
Dr. Eleni Angelopoulou: Well, there could be several possibilities. It might have been intentionally discarded by someone involved in illegal trafficking, or perhaps it was carelessly thrown away by someone unaware of its ancient significance. Another intriguing possibility is that it was hidden for safekeeping during turbulent times and was later forgotten or lost.
John Doe: That’s fascinating. Speaking of illegal trafficking,Greece has been grappling with this issue for quite some time. How does this incident highlight the challenges in protecting Greece’s ancient treasures?
Dr. Eleni Angelopoulou: Unfortunately, Greece’s rich historical legacy attracts illegal traffickers who target artifacts for profit. Incidents like this remind us that our cultural heritage is still under threat. Better public awareness, stricter legislation, and increased surveillance are some steps that can definitely help combat this issue.
John Doe: Absolutely. Dr. Angelopoulou, thank you for sharing your insights. Lastly, what do you think this discovery tells us about Greece’s enduring archaeological significance?
Dr. Eleni Angelopoulou: Despite centuries passing, greece’s archaeological wealth continues to astound us.Each discovery, whether intentional or accidental, offers a unique window into our collective past. It serves as a reminder that our historical legacy needs to be protected, preserved, and shared for future generations to appreciate and learn from.
That’s all for today’s interview. Tune in for more captivating conversations on world-today-news.com.
