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Greece receives 15 ancient antiquities repatriated from the United States
Fifteen ancient Greek antiquities have been repatriated to Greece from the United States following an investigation into illegal trafficking. The artifacts were formally handed over to Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni during a ceremony at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
Among the returned items are five pieces of ancient Cretan armor dating to the late seventh century BCE, including two bronze helmets and three bronze mitrai. These specific items were linked to an illegal excavation conducted in Afrati, Crete, in 1964. Their return allows for the reunification of archaeological finds currently housed at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
The collection spans a wide historical range, from the prehistoric and early Mycenaean periods to the Roman era. Notable items include a Cycladic marble female idol, a gold-and-garnet amphora pendant from the Hellenistic period, and a Roman marble bust of a man.
This latest repatriation brings the total number of Greek antiquities returned to Greece through the decisions of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office since 2022 to 179. The operation was supported by the Antiquities Trafficking Unit, highlighting ongoing cooperation between Greek and U.S. authorities to combat the illicit trade of cultural property.
Entities
Antiquities Trafficking Unit · Archaeological Museum of Heraklion · Greece · Heraklion Archaeological Museum · Lina Mendoni · Manhattan District Attorney's Office · Manhattan District Attorney’s Office · Matthew Bogdanos · United States
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Some of the returned items are being reunited with findings from the same excavation currently held at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. www.businessdaily.gr · www.cnn.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Lina Mendoni stated that the repatriation of 15 antiquities confirms that cultural heritage protection meets justice and international cooperation. www.businessdaily.gr · www.dimokratiki.gr · www.cnn.gr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Matthew Bogdanos, head of the Antiquities Trafficking Unit, described each returning object as a celebration of friendship and the ongoing effort against illegal trafficking. www.businessdaily.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Fifteen Greek antiquities that were illegally removed from Greece are being returned from the United States. www.businessdaily.gr · www.dimokratiki.gr · www.cnn.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The total number of Greek antiquities repatriated via Manhattan District Attorney decisions since 2022 has reached 179. www.businessdaily.gr · www.dimokratiki.gr · www.cnn.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The handover ceremony for the antiquities took place at the Manhattan District Attorney's office in New York. www.businessdaily.gr · www.dimokratiki.gr · www.cnn.gr