US hands Lebanon fragments of Roman sarcophagi from Tyre area
The United States has handed over to Lebanon’s consulate in New York three decorative lead fragments of Roman-era sarcophagi which, according to the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, originated from illegal excavations in or near Tyre. This was reported by Asharq Al-Awsat.
Handover in New York
The handover took place in New York on September 2 ahead of the artifacts’ repatriation to Lebanon. The US Embassy in Lebanon said the return of the antiquities reflects the partnership between the United States and Lebanon in countering the illicit trafficking of cultural property.
The FBI said the antiquities were stolen during illegal excavations in Tyre or its surroundings and were later taken out of Lebanon. The source notes that trade in stolen antiquities is widespread in the Middle East, while New York is one of the world’s centers of the art market, with numerous collectors, galleries and auction houses.
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Origin of the fragments
Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassan Salame said the fragments were found in the Tyre area during illegal excavations. According to him, the artistic, decorative and technical characteristics of the items are typical of Tyre workshops, which produced lead sarcophagi in ancient times.
Salame also described the Tyre region as exceptionally rich in archaeological heritage and said it sustained significant destruction as a result of intensive Israeli strikes during the latest war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. In July, UNESCO added Tyre to the list of World Heritage sites in danger.
Previous returns
In December 2017, three ancient artifacts, including a Greek-origin bull’s head, were returned to Lebanon. It was displayed at the Met Gala, and the item was valued at $1.2 million.
