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US Returns 337 Stolen Antiquities to Italy
The United States has returned 337 stolen antiquities to Italy in one of the largest recent repatriations of cultural property. The artifacts include ancient Roman sculptures, Etruscan pieces and a marble head of Alexander the Great dating to the first century CE that was stolen from a Rome museum in 1960. A handover ceremony took place in Rome on April 29, 2026.
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The United States has returned more than 300 stolen antiquities to Italy, officials said. The artifacts, totaling 337 items, range from ancient Roman sculptures to Etruscan pieces and were handed over in a ceremony in Rome on April 29, 2026. Among the most significant items is a marble head of Alexander the Great dating to the first century CE.
It was stolen from a Rome museum in 1960. Officials also highlighted a funerary stone among the returned objects. The repatriation represents one of the largest returns of stolen cultural property in recent years. The artifacts were recovered through law enforcement efforts before being transferred back to Italian authorities.
Two of the returned artifacts were displayed during the April 29 event in Rome. Photographs from the ceremony show the items at the United States embassy in Italy. Italian officials received the full collection of 337 pieces. The return follows investigations into the theft and illegal trade of cultural heritage items.
The artifacts have now been restored to Italy, where they originated. Further details on individual items beyond the marble head and funerary stone were not specified in reports of the event.
