Book Opener

GreeceThe Greek culture is extremely proud of its ancient cultural achievements in thearts. In April of 1990, 285 objects of “immense archaeological value” were stolenfrom the Museum of Corinth. These 2,500-year-old artifacts included terra cottaheads and figurines, finely crafted glass vessels, exquisite vases, and bronze statues.The heist, carried out by a gang of four, was the largest theft of Greek antiquities inmodern times. The Greek authorities acted quickly, informing border stations, airports,the international police force, embassies and consulates, the International Councilof Museums (ICOM), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and CulturalOrganization (UNESCO). Under Greek law, such action prevents stolen treasurefrom being exhibited anywhere else and makes an immediate claim for repatriation.Descriptions and photographs of the artifacts also appeared in a special Interpolpublication, ensuring that the artifacts could not be easily sold. Eager to tightensecurity, the country’s Cultural Minister plans to submit a landmark bill to parliament,asking for strict measures for crimes “against the state, the Greek people, andhistorical memory.” The bill calls for stiff punishment for those who steal, damage,or illegally transfer antiquities. Thieves will get up to fifteenyears in prison. Vandals will receive sentences of up toone year. Unlike other countries, Greece alsocondemns any sale of artifacts.Geographical area 50,962 sq. mi.Population 10,645,343CapitalAthensLegal systemBased on codifiedRoman lawLanguageGreek, English, FrenchReligionGreek OrthodoxLife expectancy 78 yearsCritical Thinking Question Greece isn’t the only country that has had trouble protectingits precious cultural possessions. In the United States, we are also familiar withantiquity theft. In particular, we have problems with people we call pot hunters—individuals who loot historical or archaeological sites. Laws aside, why is it soimportant for artifacts to be left in situ (in place)?Chapter 9: Legality 187