A significant piece of Greek history has been repatriated from Chile: a precious marble fragment from a water jug, dating back to the 6th century BC. This small but historically invaluable artifact, which measures just 8.2 x 11.4 centimeters, features the upper section of an engraved anthemion design, gracefully framed by lotus flowers.
The fragment had been in the possession of a Chilean family since the 1930s, and it was believed it originated from the Acropolis. Earlier this year, a descendant of the family, deeply moved by Greece’s ongoing efforts to reclaim the Parthenon Sculptures from the British Museum, contacted the Greek Embassy in Santiago. He expressed his profound desire to return the artifact to its rightful home.
Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni voiced immense satisfaction at the repatriation. “For Greece, the repatriation of any cultural asset that has been illegally exported gives us great joy and satisfaction,” Mendoni stated.
“At the Ministry of Culture, we firmly believe that all illegally exported antiquities, from any country, must be returned to their place of origin, to the people they belong to, as part of their collective identity,” Mendoni said. “The protection of cultural heritage is achieved only through cooperation, mutual assistance, and mutual understanding. Its respect and promotion constitute a national responsibility and a global moral commitment.”
She emphasized that this successful repatriation was the result of a “loving collaboration” between the Directorate of Documentation and Protection of Cultural Property of the Ministry of Culture and the Greek Embassy in Santiago.
The fragment has already been delivered to the Ephorate of Antiquities of the City of Athens. Initial examinations suggest it originated from an Archaic temple on the Acropolis’ sacred rock—most likely the Hekatompedon, an ancient temple referenced in inscriptions and believed to have been built during the reign of Peisistratus, around 570–550 BC.
Recent repatriated antiquities in addition to the Acropolis fragment
Greece has been highly active and successful in repatriaing illegally exported antiquities in recent years, demonstrating a strong commitment to reclaiming its cultural heritage.
In February 2025, there was a major repatriation from New York of 11 antiquities collectively valued at nearly $1 million. These objects were recovered through criminal investigations, including one into the late London-based trafficker Robin Symes.
In January 2024, two antiquities were voluntarily returned from Switzerland. A fragment of a stone inscription from the Hellenistic era (late 3rd – early 2nd century BC), believed to be from the island of Kos, and a fragment of a marble Ionic capital from the Roman era (1st – 2nd century AD), with provenance from the Ancient Agora of Corinth.
In March 2023, three sculpture fragments from the Parthenon were officially returned to Greece after centuries in the Vatican Museums. This act was hailed as a significant gesture of friendship and seen as a potential precedent for other institutions. Greece also eyes the return of the Parthenon Sculptures from the British Museum.
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