Roman-Era Bust Returns to Greece from Germany

The Roman era marble man’s bust repatriated in Thessaloniki. Photo source: Culture Ministry

The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki recently welcomed a Roman-era marble bust, returned to Greece from the Archaeological Museum of the University of Münster in Germany.

The bust, dated around 150 AD, depicts a bearded man with a hairstyle typical of the era of Emperor Trajan (98-117 AD). It is believed to be part of a grave sculpture from Thessaloniki’s cemetery or its surrounding area.

Speaking at a welcoming ceremony, Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni underlined the importance of repatriating antiquities. “The repatriation of Greek cultural heritage is a national priority. We support international collaboration through bilateral and multilateral agreements to achieve this goal.”

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni speaking at the welcoming ceremony for the repatriation of the marble. Photo source: Culture Ministry

Minister Mendoni clarified that the return of this particular bust was not the result of a formal claim but a voluntary decision by the University of Münster. The bust’s history prior to 1989, when it was gifted to the museum, was unclear, prompting German archaeologists to investigate its origins. Through physicochemical analysis, they confirmed that the marble was sourced from the island of Thasos, indicating the sculpture’s Greek origins.

The Minister highlighted that this voluntary repatriation underscores the importance of honest collaboration among museums, academic institutions, and governments in combating the illegal trafficking of cultural artifacts.

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni with University of Münster Dean Johannes Wessels. Photo source: Culture Ministry

Mendoni expressed her gratitude to Johannes Wessels, Dean of the University of Münster, who accompanied the bust to Greece, and expressed hope that other institutions and governments would follow Münster’s example of responsibility and sensitivity in repatriating cultural heritage.

This bust is the second item returned to Greece from the University of Münster. In 2019, a skyphos, a cup given as a gift to Spyros Louis, winner of the first modern Olympic marathon, was repatriated. It is now displayed at the Museum of the Ancient Olympic Games in Olympia.