Greece Celebrates Voluntary Return of 5th Century BC Crater from Italy

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni. Photo source: Culture Ministry

An ancient crater from the 5th century BC was recently returned to Greece by Paolo Catti de Gasperi, the grandson of former Italian Prime Minister Alcide de Gasperi, during a special ceremony at the Greek Embassy in Rome. The crater was received by Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni.

Photo source: Culture Ministry

According to the Greek Culture Ministry, the Attic crater (450 – 420 BC) was originally gifted to Alcide de Gasperi by the Greek government in 1953 during his official visit to Athens, following Italy’s agreement to transfer the Dodecanese Islands to Greece. Alcide de Gasperi served as Prime Minister of Italy from December 1945 to August 1953.

To express friendship toward a country that had invaded Greece less than 15 years earlier and to inaugurate a new era in bilateral relations, then Prime Minister Alexandros Papagos presented the authentic 5th-century BC crater to his Italian counterpart. The crater, which remains in perfect condition, has significant historical value.

His grandson, Paolo Catti de Gasperi, decided to repatriate the crater, believing it rightfully belongs to Greece, a country whose cultural heritage he greatly admires. His initiative aims to contribute to the broader effort of Greece and Italy to recover cultural treasures located abroad.

Returned crater on display at Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos

The red-figure column crater, which features a scene of a warrior preparing to depart, will now be permanently exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos.

Paolo Catti de Gasperi with Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni. Photo source: Culture Ministry

Minister Mendoni remarked that the repatriation of the specific crater is unique, as it was not illegally exported from Greece. She praised Paolo Catti de Gasperi for his cultural sensitivity and recognized the immense importance of returning antiquities to their rightful places.

In gratitude, Mendoni presented de Gasperi with an exact replica of the Goddess Artemis, as depicted on the Parthenon Frieze, showcased in the Acropolis Museum.

Minister Mendoni is currently in Italy to participate in the G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Culture in Naples from September 19 to 21. Alongside the G7 member countries, Greece, Brazil, and India were invited to this year’s conference.