In brief
The statue, dating back to the Hellenistic period, raises questions about its origin and highlights the ongoing discovery of historic artifacts in Greece.
In an astonishing turn of events, a headless, armless statue believed to be more than 2,000 years old was found in a black plastic bag near garbage bins in Thessaloniki, Greece. A 32-year-old Greek man reported the unusual find to local police on January 18, prompting an investigation into the statue's origins.The Greek police announced on Wednesday that the statue is thought to date from the Hellenistic period, specifically from 323 B.C. to about 31 B.C., following the death of Alexander the Great. This intriguing discovery has initiated inquiries from various Greek authorities, including crime and heritage protection units, as they seek to unravel how such a significant artifact ended up discarded.Greece, renowned for its rich history and archaeological heritage, often witnesses astonishing finds. Relics have been discovered unexpectedly during construction projects, particularly during preparations for the 2004 Olympics and subway excavations. "This is not the first time" civilians have turned over ancient artifacts to the police, noted Vasilis Tempelis, a spokesman for the Culture Ministry.A preliminary examination by the Ministry of Culture revealed that the statue falls under Greek antiquities protection laws, and a specialized panel is set to analyze its material and establish an accurate date. The statue, standing about 31 inches tall, has drawn the attention of experts like Dr. Bert Smith, a professor of classical archaeology from Oxford and Bilkent University in Turkey, who described it as a small-scale figure possibly representing a goddess.Dr. Smith elaborated that these types of figures, often votive offerings in temples or sanctuaries, were used by individuals seeking favor from the divinities. The clothing depicted on the statue, a one-piece garment known as a peplos, was customary for such representations of deities, while its missing arms and head present a mystery about the statue's original form and significance. The loss of these elements suggests a storied past, with possible histories spanning centuries.
