Italian Police Recover Major Etruscan Artifact Trove

Italian authorities have recovered a significant collection of Etruscan artifacts in Umbria, believed to be worth at least €8 million, following an investigation led by the Carabinieri art police. The trove, consisting of eight urns, two sarcophagi, and various beauty accessories, was discovered by two local entrepreneurs on their land near Città della Pieve. The suspects, described as amateurish tomb raiders, attempted to sell the artifacts on the black market by posting pictures online, which led to their arrest after a thorough investigation involving phone taps and surveillance. One sarcophagus contained the remains of a woman in her 40s, and the urns featured intricate decorations from Greek mythology. This recovery is one of the most substantial discoveries of Etruscan artifacts, highlighting the historical richness of the Etruscan civilization, which thrived in Italy before the Roman Republic. The suspects face charges of theft and trading in stolen goods, with potential prison sentences of up to 10 years if convicted.