THESSALONIKI, Greece — A 2,000-year-old marble statue of a woman has been discovered discarded in a plastic bag near Thessaloniki, according to local police reports released Wednesday.

The statue, measuring 80 centimeters (31 inches) and headless, was found by a local resident who spotted it beside a waste bin in Neoi Epivates, located just outside Greece’s second largest city. The individual promptly reported the find to local authorities, who then called in archaeologists to evaluate its significance.

Experts from the archaeological community quickly concluded that the statue originates from the Hellenistic period, which spans approximately from 320 to 30 B.C. This era is typically noted for its vibrant artistic and cultural achievements that followed the campaigns of Alexander the Great.

The artifact has since been sent for more detailed analysis by archaeologists and will eventually be transferred to the local antiquities authority for proper preservation and further study.

In response to the incident, police have launched an investigation to identify the individual responsible for discarding the statue. Authorities briefly detained a suspect for questioning, although he was later released without any charges being filed.

It is not unusual for accidental archaeological finds to occur in Greece, a nation rich in ancient history, particularly during construction projects or other public works. For instance, in December, workers installing a natural gas pipeline near Athens unearthed a Roman-era statue of Hermes, which was discovered upright in a brick-lined pit close to the Acropolis.

Recently, Thessaloniki showcased numerous artifacts unearthed during the lengthy construction of its metro system, which just opened in November. Among the significant discoveries were a marble-paved Roman road and tens of thousands of items tracing back to the Greek, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras, now displayed in various subway stations across the city.