Life size marble statue which dates back to the 2nd century AD has been excavated at the ancient site Styberra near Prilep. Culture Minister Elizabeta Kanceska-Milevska Thursday visited the site where statue was unearthed which is considered unique finding.

Director of the Institute for Protection of the Monuments of Culture and Museum - Prilep, Gordana Danailoska-Spiroska said that the life size marble statue is headless made from highly stylized elements.

The ancient site Styberra is the biggest site of ancient marble statues. During the excavation we discovered a life size headless marble statue. Refined workmanship of the statue in gown with a scroll in one hand confirms that it is committed to a significant citizen of Styberra dating back to the 2nd century AD. Now the process of conservation and cleaning of the statue is to follow and probably will be on display at the archaeological exhibition of the Prilep Museum, Danailoska-Spiroska said.

Archaeologist and senior curator Dusko Temelkoski explained that this year some of the buildings on the site are being explored and it is assumed that it is the assembly of the city Styberra. – Stone plate was found that says that the Assembly of Styberra gives tribute to meritorious citizen of Styberra. The structure is monumental, 17-meters wide, Temelkoski said.

Culture Minister Elizabeta Kanceska - Mileska believes that unearthing this exclusive finding is confirmation of its size and importance, and this is a unique finding.

The beginnings of the city of Styberra are dated to the 4th century BC. The city flourished in the 2nd century AD, when the renewal of its buildings was the most extensive. Life in Styberra ceased in the second half of the 3rd century, suddenly and violently, for reasons still unknown.