Family of former Italian leader returns gifted ancient Greek vase to Greece

·

An ancient vase, gifted over 70 years ago by the Greek government to an Italian prime minister, has been voluntarily returned to Greece by the former leader’s grandson.

According to ekathimerini.com, Greece’s Ministry of Culture commended Paolo Catti De Gasperi for his “courteous gesture” in returning the artifact. His grandfather, Alcide De Gasperi, served as Italy’s prime minister from 1945 to 1953.

The Greek ministry said the vase dates back to the mid-to-late 5th century BC and was originally presented to De Gasperi by Greek Prime Minister Alexandros Papagos during a 1953 state visit to Athens. The gift symbolised gratitude for De Gasperi’s significant role in ceding the Dodecanese islands to Greece, a territory Italy surrendered following World War II.

The large terracotta vase, known as a crater, is decorated with red figures on a black background. Craters were traditionally used by ancient Greeks to mix wine with water, as it was uncommon for them to drink wine undiluted.

Paolo Catti De Gasperi returned the artifact to Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni during a ceremony at the Greek embassy in Rome. The Greek government has been actively seeking the return of its cultural heritage from museums and private collections worldwide, with a particular focus on recovering the Parthenon Sculptures from the British Museum. However, Mendoni emphasized that this situation was unique.

“We are particularly grateful, because, while [Catti De Gasperi] held [the crater] completely legally, he felt the need and had the generosity to return it to Greece,” Mendoni said. “It’s a family heirloom that’s linked with the modern history of both Greece and Italy.”

Source:ekathimerni.com

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

The Greek Herald finalists lead the way in 2025 Greek International Women Awards

The Greek Herald’s own Dimitra Skalkos and Andriana Simos are finalists in the 2025 Greek International Women Awards.

Football Victoria honours South Melbourne FC legend Michalis Mandalis

The new Football Victoria Chair Angela Williams paid tribute to former footballer and long-time South Melbourne FC legend Michalis Mandalis.

Greek Orthodox community in Liverpool raises $20,000 for McGrath Foundation

The spirit of faith, community and compassion was on full display at the “Splash of Pink” charity afternoon tea.

WWII-era rifle used in Croydon Park shooting sparks firearm law debate

A WWII-era M1 Carbine rifle has become the focus of investigations into the Croydon Park shooting. Read more here.

PASOK intensifies pressure for reopening of GNTO Office in Melbourne

Pressure on Greece's Ministry of Tourism to reopen the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) Office in Melbourne is intensifying.

You May Also Like

Deputy Opposition Leader and VIC Health Minister attend South Melbourne FC match

Victoria's Deputy Opposition Leader, Richard Marles, and Health Minister, Martin Foley, attended the South Melbourne FC match.

Enmore nightlife model to be replicated across NSW 

Enmore Road's Special Entertainment Precinct has inspired 18 councils across NSW to begin the process of establishing their own nightlife.

‘It impacts all Greeks’: Maria Bakalidou ahead of ‘Twenty Two’ play in Melbourne

This Weekend at Melbourne's Clayton Community Centre, “Twenty Two" is expected for the second time to attract young and old theater lovers.