Looted antiquities seized in northern Greece

Archaeologists on Thursday were assessing a collection of gold jewelry discovered by police in a hidden compartment in the ceiling of a home in Imathia, northern Greece, to ascertain whether they are of historical value.

Police handout photo of some of the finds [Credit: Kathimerini]

The 59-year-old resident of the home, which was raided by officers acting on a tip-off, has been placed under arrest and may face charges of illegal possession of antiquities if the items are authenticated, the Greek Police said.

Among the items found stuffed into a hollowed-out compartment in a foam ceiling tile are gold necklaces and earrings, as well as leaf-shaped fragments that resemble the ornamentation used in Alexander-era crowns and ceremonial wreaths. They also found five small bundles containing semi-precious stones.

Source: Kathimerini [January 08, 2015]