An ancient headless statue worth millions was found amid trash in northern Greece. On January 18, a 32-year-old man handed over what he believed to be an Hellenistic-period artifact (circa 323 B.C. to 31 B.C.) discovered in a plastic bag near Thessaloniki. The statue, measuring about 31 inches tall, depicted a female figure in flowing drapery. Experts suggest it could have been a votive offering dedicated to a goddess or deity.
The discovery has sparked an investigation into the statue’s origins and how it ended up in garbage. Similar finds are not uncommon in Greece, often resulting from construction projects or archaeology excavations. While the statue appears to be well-preserved, its head and arms are missing, raising questions about its former form and function.
Experts note that small figurines of deities were common in ancient times, used for personal devotion. The lack of arms could indicate it was intended as a votive offering or ceremonial item rather than a full statue. The police confirmed the statue is protected under Greek antiquity laws, though further analysis is needed to determine its composition and authenticate its provenance.
This rare find highlights Greece’s rich archaeological heritage and continues to intrigue historians and artifact enthusiasts alike.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/22/world/europe/ancient-greece-statue-trash-thessaloniki.html