During the excavation works for the creation of underground waste containers along Agia Sofia Street in the centre of Thessaloniki, a grave with human remains was unearthed, according to an announcement released on Wednesday.

The grave which dates back to the Byzantine period was discovered after the workers dug a hole that was only a meter deep. Deputy mayor Thanassis Pappas stated that “the construction crew found traces of a Byzantine wall, a Byzantine grave and a small vessel, which probably dates back to the 14th century AD. A second grave with human remains was also found, but it was partially destroyed by underground utility networks.”

The deputy mayor underlined that the works for the installation of underground waste containers are being carried out in the presence of archaeologists.