The United States has returned 337 antiquities to Italy that were illegally exported from the country. This was reported by Reuters, according to UNN.
Details
This is one of the largest repatriations in recent years. The artifacts span a wide historical period – from the 5th century BC to the 3rd century AD. Among them are ancient Roman sculptures, Greek, Etruscan, and Egyptian exhibits, coins, jewelry, ceramics, and architectural fragments.
The finds were presented at the Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Rome following a series of investigations, a significant portion of which were conducted in New York.
The Role of the US in the Investigation
According to the Italian side, 221 objects were discovered thanks to the work of the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. The campaign to return artifacts has intensified in recent years due to digital databases, new technologies, and international cooperation.
"There is no country in the world with a history and culture like Italy's, and the United States will always do everything possible to help return these magnificent artifacts,"
Unique Exhibits
Among the most valuable items are a marble head of Alexander the Great from the 1st century AD, stolen from a Roman museum in 1960, as well as a bronze sculpture from Herculaneum and two Egyptian basalt statues.
Italian authorities note that many items were obtained during illegal excavations or stolen from museums and subsequently entered the international art market.
"Protecting cultural heritage means protecting memory and identity,"
Following their return, the artifacts will be studied and, where possible, transferred to their regions of origin. Rome expects that similar operations will continue in the future, given the intensification of oversight and international cooperation.
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