Discovery and Recovery
Italian police recovered Etruscan artifacts worth 8 million euros ($8.5 million) from an illegal excavation site in , including urns, sarcophagi, and decorative items.
The operation, involving drone surveillance and wiretaps, led to the arrest of two individuals attempting to sell the artifacts on the black market.
Historical Context and Legal Action
The Etruscan civilization, prominent from 900 B.C. to 27 B.C. in central Italy, is known for its rich burial customs and artifacts.
The suspects, described as "clumsy" tomb raiders, face up to 10 years in prison for theft and trafficking in stolen goods.