Archaeological black market for high society clients

Capitals, gravestones, marble altars and other marble artefacts of great historical value, coming from archaeological sites on the island of Kos and intended to… “decorate” villas on the island, were discovered by local police. According to preliminary estimates, there are about 150 pieces of various sizes and time periods, which were discovered near Messaria, in a marble workshop owned by an island resident.

Through what is now known, another resident complained to police that the cutting process included very ancient marble pieces of art, which were then made available to homeowners who wanted to decorate with real art.

Based on the complaint, the marble pieces were processed according to the areas for which they were intended, especially when they would be placed in the entrances of luxurious houses, as well as fireplaces.

Naturally, the authorities were mobilized immediately, while the prosecutor and the archaeological agency were notified, which sent its representative to the region, in order to perform an inspection of the scene. The archaeologists found about 600 pieces of marble, but only 150 of them seem to come under the antiquities law. It is also noteworthy that at the prosecutor’s order, the marble shop owner was arrested, and from that moment on, the archaeological inventory of artefacts began.

The area is being guarded by police 24 hours a day, while the work of archaeologists is complete.