A 2000-year-old headless statue has been discovered near trash cans in Greece, sparking a police investigation. The statue was found by a 32-year-old local in the port city of Thessaloniki on January 18 and was retrieved by authorities who sent it to an archaeologist at the Ephorate of Antiquities for examination. The statue, believed to date back to the Hellenistic period, was later confirmed missing its head and arms after forensic testing. Authorities are now working to determine how the statue got lost and whether it was moved or stolen.
The discovery comes amid growing concerns over the trafficking of ancient Greek antiquities in Greece, as police continue to investigate other finds. For instance, construction workers recently uncovered a Roman-era Hermes statue near Athens, while authorities have also found numerous artifacts during metro construction projects across the country. These efforts highlight ongoing issues with the illegal trade of historical artifacts.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2025/01/22/ancient-greece-statue-found-headless/77884486007