Statue of Greek god uncovered by archaeologists during excavation of ancient Roman sewer in Bulgaria

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Ancient marble head depicting the Greek god Dionysus discovered in Rome

Archaeologists are now working to restore the head

Archaeologists near Bulgaria’s southeastern border with Greece uncovered a nearly 7-foot statue of the ancient Greek god Hermes during a dig this week. 

The unexpected find happened during excavation of an ancient Roman sewer in the abandoned city of Heraclea Sintica, which was founded by King Philip II of Macedon between 356 and 339 B.C.E. 

The sprawling city was devastated by an earthquake in 388 A.D. 

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Archaeologists near Bulgaria’s southeastern border with Greece uncovered a nearly seven-foot statue of the ancient Greek god Hermes during a dig this week.  (Reuters/Spasiyana Sergieva)

"Its head is preserved. (It's in a) very good condition," lead archaeologist Lyudmil Vagalinski said, explaining that the marble statue had been placed in the sewer and covered with dirt, possibly as Christianity was adopted as the official religion of the Roman Empire and pagan symbols were banned.

The statue was found during an excavation in the ancient city of Heraclea Sinitica, near what is now the village of Rupite, Bulgaria.  (Reuters/Spasiyana Sergieva)

He added that the statue was a Roman copy of an ancient Greek original.

"Everything pagan was forbidden, and they have joined the new ideology," Vagalinski said. 

He added, "but apparently they took care of their old deities." 

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The statue was well-preserved, archaeologists said.  (Reuters/Spasiyana Sergieva)

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Heraclea Sintica, now the Bulgarian village of Rupite, was abandoned around 500 A.D. after going into rapid decline following the earthquake.