Museo Nazionale Romano Displays Ancient Greek Silverware Returned by the Metropolitan

Written by AP Writer Friday, 19 March 2010 19:08

ROME (AP).- Ancient Greek artworks — pieces of silverware with gold detail dating to the third century B.C. — are going on display in Rome after being returned by the Metropolitan Museum in New York. The 16 pieces include two large bowls, a cup with two handles, plates and drinking utensils. They were returned as part of Italy's aggressive campaign against illegal trafficking in antiquities.

Italian art officials said Friday that the pieces will go on display at the Museo Nazionale Romano in the Italian capital. The exhibit opens Saturday and runs through May 23, and then moves to Sicily.

The pieces are known as "The Morgantina Treasure" after the name of the ancient Greek settlement near what is now the Italian city of Aidone, Sicily.

One of the most important Hellenistic silverware collections to have survived from Sicily, according to Italian art officials.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.

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