Tourist Returns 2,400-Year-Old Greek Artefact 50 Years After Theft for a Specific Reason

The Artefact Was Taken in the 1960s

A tourist who took an ancient Greek artefact about 50 years ago has returned it to its original country.

An unidentified woman took the 2,400-year-old artefact in the 1960s during a visit to a 4th-century BC guesthouse called the Leonidaion in Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

She kept the artefact for many years before deciding to give it back, voluntarily handing it over to the University of Münster in Germany.

The university facilitated the return of the artefact, known as the Ionic column capital, which is made of limestone and measures nine inches high and 13 inches wide.

Greek officials were relieved to have it back last week and presented it to the country and the world during a ceremony at the Ancient Olympia Conference Center on Friday (October 10).

The Acropolis in Athens

In a press release, Greek officials announced: "The return of the capital was made possible due to the sensitivity and courage of a German woman. She had owned it since the 1960s after picking it up from the Leonidaion area during a visit to the site.

Inspired by the recent repatriation of significant antiquities by the University of Münster to their countries of origin, she decided to give it to the University, whose valuable assistance facilitated its return to Greece and Ancient Olympia."

Officials further elaborated on Leonidaion and its significance in Greek history.

They stated: "The Leonidaion, named after its benefactor Leonidas of Naxos, is situated outside Altes, in the southwestern section of the sanctuary of Olympia.

It is the largest structure in the sanctuary by area, featuring distinctive Ionic arcades on all four sides.

It was constructed in the latter half of the 4th century BC and served as lodging for distinguished visitors to the sanctuary."

The artefact has finally been returned

The woman mentioned the University of Münster's restitution of looted antiquities as the main reason for doing the right thing and returning the ancient Greek historical piece to its rightful owner.

Although it is understandably frustrating for Greece to have been without such a coveted artefact for so long, Culture Secretary General Georgios Didaskalo has previously expressed joy at simply being able to see these historical pieces again.

At an event where a marble male head from Roman-era Thessaloniki was returned, the government official stated: "This is a particularly moving moment.

"This act demonstrates that culture and history transcend borders but require cooperation, responsibility, and mutual respect.

"Every such return is an act of restoring justice and simultaneously a bridge of friendship between peoples."