Two stolen ancient Greek vases returned to Greece from Switzerland

·

Two marble vases that once marked ancient Athenians’ graves over 2,000 years ago have been returned to Greece from Switzerland, apnews.com has reported.

Greece’s Culture Ministry announced on Tuesday that the white marble vases, decorated with relief sculptures, were recovered after a prolonged legal battle.

Both vases are damaged, missing their necks and parts of their bases. One stands at 60 centimeters (23 inches) tall, and the other at 54 centimeters (21 inches). Dating back to the 4th century B.C., they originally marked family graves near Athens. However, due to their illegal excavation and export, their exact original location remains unknown.

One vase depicts a touching family scene with an elderly man, his soldier son, and his wife, while the other features plant motifs. Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni emphasized that repatriating plundered antiquities is a “top political priority” for the ministry, which has successfully secured several returns recently.

The vases were first discovered in 2002 during a raid on a Basel warehouse used by an Italian antiquities dealer. Despite being returned to the dealer in 2014 after an Italian court ruling, Greek authorities noticed the vases were up for sale again in 2017 and secured their seizure by Switzerland. The ministry said it emerged that Swiss authorities had sold them to the second dealer to cover legal costs incurred by the Italian dealer.

Following over six years of legal negotiations, the vases were handed over to Greek officials on June 26. They will be displayed in a museum featuring artifacts from Kerameikos, the main cemetery of ancient Athens.

Source: apnews.com

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Mark Coure MP extends Oxi Day message to Greek and Cypriot communities

NSW Shadow Minister Mark Coure MP honours Oxi Day, praising the Greek and Cypriot communities for their courage and contribution to NSW.

Oakleigh Grammar farewells the Class of 2025 with Graduation Dinner

Oakleigh Grammar’s Class of 2025 gathered for a night of celebration, reflection, and recognition at their Year 12 Graduation Dinner.

Saint Dimitrios Parish in Moonee Ponds marks 50 years with joyful festival

The annual Saint Demetrios Parish Festival in Moonee Ponds brought together parishioners, dignitaries, and performers on Sunday, October 26.

Burwood RSL donates $14,000 to support St Nectarios’ Cottage Kitchen

St Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church in Burwood has received a $14,000 ClubGrant from Burwood RSL to continue vital community work.

Greek Australian nurse Helen Zahos recognised for 25 years of humanitarian work

The NT’s Greek community is celebrating humanitarian nurse and paramedic Helen Zahos, recognised for her service to global health.

You May Also Like

Turkish presidential decree declares Greek Orthodox Church to be converted into a mosque

Turkish authorities issued a new presidential decree on Friday morning to re-convert a Greek Orthodox Church into a mosque.

Remembering Greek film pioneer, Spyros Skouras

Spyros Skouras, one of the most important figures in the film industry, died on this day back in 1971 due to a fatal heart attack.

The Greek Australians elected to seats in Victoria’s local councils

In this year's local government elections in Victoria, there were 67 Greek Australians running in 24 councils and shires.