Ancient artefacts stolen from Iraq were returned to authorities in Rome after being seized in Italy. The items, dating back to before 2000 BC, were recovered following a lengthy investigation initiated by the Iraqi embassy. The Carabinieri Cultural Heritage Protection Unit has previously returned other stolen Iraqi artefacts, highlighting efforts to combat the illegal trade of cultural treasures.

On Wednesday, a set of ancient artefacts that had been stolen by illegal traffickers were officially returned to Iraqi authorities in a ceremony held in Rome. The items, which had been seized in Italy, were handed over in the presence of police officials and Iraq’s Ambassador to Italy.

Michele Minetti, commander of the Monza Carabinieri Cultural Heritage Protection Unit, provided detailed information about the returned artefacts.

“These five archaeological pieces date back to before 2000 BC,” Minetti explained. “They include four cones and a terracotta tablet. The tablet is an administrative document containing records of prisoners, while the cones commemorate the builders of various temples where they were originally placed.”

The investigation to recover the stolen artefacts began after the Iraqi embassy in Italy was made aware that the items had appeared for sale at an auction house.

Iraq’s Ambassador to Italy, Saywan Sabir Mustafa Barzani, explained that the items were among the thousands of cultural treasures stolen from Iraq, especially in 2003. “The embassy identified these five artefacts in an auction house, where they were being sold. After a thorough and lengthy investigation, we were able to collaborate with the Cultural Heritage Protection Unit to ensure their return. Even now, we continue to uncover other stolen objects being sold; just today, we found another auction house with similar items for sale,” Barzani said.

In recent years, the Carabinieri Cultural Heritage Unit has successfully returned approximately 19 stolen Iraqi artefacts to the Iraqi embassy in Italy, underscoring their ongoing efforts to combat the illegal trade of cultural treasures.