3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Ancient Pompeii artifact is returned after being stolen by the Nazis
An erotic-themed Roman mosaic, dating from between the mid-first century BC and the first century AD, has been returned to Pompeii.
The mosaic panel was stolen by a Nazi German captain during the Second World War.
It was repatriated from Germany through diplomatic channels, arranged by the Italian Consulate in Stuttgart, after being returned by the heirs of its last owner.
Experts consider the artwork to be of "extraordinary cultural interest," representing a significant artistic theme of domestic love from the Roman era.
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, described the return as "healing an open wound" and noted a positive shift in attitudes towards stolen cultural heritage.
