Hungary Repatriates Roman-Era Treasure

  • 27 Mar 2014 8:00 AM
Hungary Repatriates Roman-Era Treasure
Hungary has purchased the Suevo hoard, a collection of Roman silverware uncovered in the country 40 years ago and illegally smuggled out, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced at a press conference in Parliament on Wednesday.

Describing the treasure as a “family heirloom”, Orbán said the items were bought for €15 million in the UK, but did not say who the seller was.

The treasure is named after Seuso, a high-ranking Roman official who hid the hoard during the late fourth or early fifth century near Polgárdi, Fejér county.

The collection was offered for sale at Sotheby’s in New York in 1990, but was withdrawn when Hungary, Lebanon and Yugoslavia each claimed ownership.

The complete collection is made up of 14 silver tableware items. Of those, Hungary has bought seven pieces, including bowls, jugs and platters.

Orbán told M1 TV Wednesday evening that “we are working on seeing the other half returned as well”.

Source: Hungary Around the Clock

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Ancient Roman Seuso-Treasure Repatriated To Hungary

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