The vibrant mosaic, depicting a couple in an intimate scene, is now displayed at the Pompeii Archaeological Park after being identified and returned by authorities.
Stolen Pompeii Mosaic Returned to Italy After Decades in Germany
Stolen Pompeii Mosaic Returned to Italy After Decades in Germany
A cherished artifact from ancient Pompeii, looted during WWII, finds its way home, enriching Italy’s historical tapestry.
For over seventy years, a stunning mosaic piece, emblematic of intimate life in ancient Pompeii, lay in obscurity within Germany. Recently, it has resurfaced after investigators traced its origins back to the looted treasures of the renowned archaeological site. According to reports from the Pompeii Archaeological Park, the mosaic, believed to have embellished the floor of a wealthy villa, was seized by a Nazi Wehrmacht captain during World War II and later gifted to a civilian in Germany.
While the exact circumstances of its acquisition remain vague, it appears the captain, tasked with supply operations in Italy, managed to take the mosaic and transport it to Germany in 1944. Its fate remained unknown until the heir of the last German owner reached out to Italy’s Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, inquiring about the procedures to return the piece.
The Carabinieri's diligent investigators examined a comprehensive database of stolen art and artifacts, discovering the mosaic’s roots in Pompeii. Consequently, they liaised with the Pompeii Archaeological Park, resulting in the official return of the artifact to Italy on September 16, 2023, through diplomatic channels. The mosaic exemplifies a commitment to preserving historical heritage after centuries of turmoil, enriching the narrative of Pompeii with its return and now holds a significant place in the park's exhibition.
