Tag: Archaeological artifacts

Two plundered ancient Greek vases are repatriated from Switzerland

Ancient Greek Vases Return Home from Switzerland

Two plundered marble vases, originally marking ancient Athenians' graves over 2,000 years ago, have been returned to Greece from Switzerland. These artifacts, adorned with relief sculptures, were involved in a lengthy legal battle before their repatriation. One vase depicts a poignant family scene, featuring a seated elderly man bidding farewell to his son, clad in ancient Athenian soldier armor, and his wife. The other vase is adorned with plant motifs. Despite their broken condition—missing necks and parts of their bases—the vases date back to the 4th century B.C. and would have originally stood on family graves near Athens. Their return underscores Greece's commitment to reclaiming its cultural heritage from abroad, marking a significant victory in ongoing efforts to recover looted antiquities.