A 2,000-year-old marble statue of a goddess has been discovered among dozens of broken columns and inscriptions during excavation at an ancient theater in central Greece, archaeologists said on Monday.

This photo released by the Greek Culture Ministry in Athens on Monday, July 10, 2006, shows a 2,000-year-old marble statue of a goddess. The headless statue of Artemis, godess of the hunt, discovered among dozens of broken columns and inscriptions at an ancient theater in the town of Larissa, central Greece. [AP]

The headless statue of hunting goddess Artemis dates from the middle of the first century B.C., archaeologist Athanassios Tziafalias said.

The statue, standing 82 centimeters (32 inches) tall, was found July 4, during work on the fringe of the ancient theater at Larissa, a town some 360 kilometers (225 miles) north of Athens.

The figure, dressed in a short tunic and a deerskin, lacks its arms and lower legs.

Archaeologists also found about 60 limestone and marble sections of columns from the theater, together with more than 100 inscribed stones expected to shed light on the town's history, Tziafalias said.

But hopes are high that more significant finds could be among the fragments.

"There are many marble pieces wedged among the columns, which have not yet been investigated," a Culture Ministry press release said.

Tziafalias said the theater "has a lot more to give us."

Built in the 3rd century B.C., the building was destroyed by earthquake two centuries later. It was rebuilt by the Romans, who used the broken columns as the foundation for a large pavement.

"It is considered likely that this pavement was part of works to turn the theater into an arena where gladiators fought," the ministry announcement said.