Danish Family Returns Etruscan Artifacts to Italy, Fulfilling Father's Wish After Purchase in the 1960s

A Danish family has returned three ancient Etruscan artifacts to Italy, fulfilling the last wish of their father, Bent Søndergaard, who purchased them in Italy during the 1960s. The artifacts, believed to originate from an Etruscan tomb dating back to around 600 BC, were handed over to Italian authorities at a ceremony held at the Italian Embassy in Copenhagen. Søndergaard had bought the items from men who claimed they were legally selling artifacts. After his death, his children sought the expertise of archaeologist Christos Tsirogiannis, who confirmed their Etruscan origin. The family then contacted the Italian Embassy to arrange their return. Italian Ambassador Stefania Rosini expressed gratitude for the return, emphasizing the artifacts' significance to Etruscan history and praising the family's respect for cultural heritage and international cooperation.