Sarcophagus

The area from which two Roman-era sarcophagi were removed in 2015 and 2016 in the northwestern province of Bursa’s İznik district, known as the “city of the dead” (necropolis), is monitored by police and gendarmerie teams 24/7.

The Roman sarcophagus of Hercules, which recently returned to Turkey from Switzerland after it had been smuggled abroad some 50 years ago, has begun welcoming visitors at its home in the Mediterranean resort of Antalya. 

The Roman sarcophagus of Hercules, which was smuggled abroad some 50 years ago, has finally been returned to Turkey from Switzerland. 

The sarcophagus, which was found during illegal excavations in the ancient city of Perge in the southern province of Antalya, was delivered to Culture and Tourism Ministry officials in Geneva on Sept. 13. 

There are just days for the Roman sarcophagus of Hercules to return to its home in Turkey. The precious Roman-era sarcophagus will return to its home in the Mediterranean province of Antalya on Sept. 13, some 50 years after it was smuggled abroad.

The Roman sarcophagus of Hercules, which was ruled to return to Turkey by a Swiss court in 2015, will return to its home in Turkey in September. 

At a time when political tension is absorbing so much of our energy, it is fascinating that we still have the power to be affected or shocked by a piece of art.

Lawyers have said a Roman Empire-era coffin depicting the 12 labors of Hercules is set to go home to Turkey, ending a legal battle over a prized artifact that had mysteriously turned up in Geneva's secretive customs-office warehouse years ago.

An ancient sarcophagus smuggled out of Turkey in the 1960s could soon be on its way home following a decision from Swiss prosecutors.        

Speaking at a press conference in the capital Ankara, Tourism Minister Nabi Avcı said the final legal objections to the ancient artefact's repatriation had been overcome.        

Three ancient burial chambers from the Late Antiquity period have been discovered in an olive grove in Turkey’s western Bursa province. The chambers have been put under protection until archaeological teams arrive at the scene, reports said on Sunday.

A sarcophagus, which has been unearthed during archaeological excavations in the ancient city of Aigai in the western province of Manisa, was revealed to have been belonged to a school principal after its pieces were reunited.