After busting an illegal treasure-hunting group from the city of Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's authorities found in the group's possession a very well preserved antique statue dating from the Roman Empire, along with other valuable objects.

The antique statue is made from marble and portrays a life-size woman. It dates from the late Roman period. Preliminary expert reports estimate its value at hundreds of thousands of EUR.

The statue was confiscated and arrived Saturday at the National Historical Museum (NIM) in Sofia where it will be stored and will undergo further expertise. NIM considers the statue a precious and unique acquisition since it is entirely preserved, including its base, something deemed very rare by experts. Most of the finds from the same period have broken arms, heads and noses.