2,400-Year-Old Greek Column Fragment Returned After 50 Years: A Story of Repatriation and Cultural Respect

A German woman has finally returned an ancient Greek relic to its homeland after keeping it for more than five decades.

The artifact in question is a 2,400-year-old limestone column fragment measuring 9 by 13 inches, originally from the Leonidaion structure at Ancient Olympia, the historic birthplace of the Olympic Games.

The woman had taken the piece during her visit to the archaeological site in the 1960s. According to the Greek Culture Ministry, the relic was formally returned during a special ceremony held at the Ancient Olympia Conference Centre.

Her decision to return the artifact was influenced by recent news of antiquities being repatriated to Greece from Germany. To facilitate the return, she reached out to officials at the University of Munster, who assisted with the repatriation process.

During the ceremony, Georgios Didaskalou, Secretary General of Culture, expressed his emotion regarding the return: "This is a particularly moving moment. This act proves that culture and history know no borders but require cooperation, responsibility and mutual respect."

He further emphasized that "Every such return is an act of restoration of justice and at the same time a bridge of friendship between people."

The University of Munster has now successfully repatriated three significant artifacts to Greece, including this recent return. Their previous repatriations include the Cup of Louis in 2019 and a Roman-era marble male head from Thessaloniki earlier in 2024.

Dr. Torben Schreiber, curator of the Archaeological Museum of the University of Munster, affirmed the museum's commitment to returning any object that "proves to be the product of illegal trafficking." He stressed that it is never too late to do what is "right, moral and just."

The Leonidaion, named after its benefactor Leonidas of Naxos, stands outside Altes in the southwestern section of the Olympia sanctuary. It holds the distinction of being the largest building in the entire sanctuary area.