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A stolen erotic mosaic panel, looted from Pompeii by a German Nazi captain during WWII, has been returned to Italy. The relic, depicting lovers and dating back to the 1st century BC-AD, was among the possessions of a deceased German citizen. Relatives contacted Italian authorities, leading to its repatriation via the Italian consulate in Stuttgart. The mosaic will undergo further study at the Pompeii Antiquarium. The director of the Pompeii archaeological park highlighted the historical significance of the return, emphasizing the damage caused by illicit antiquities trafficking. This repatriation is one of many successes for the Carabinieri cultural heritage protection squad, which has recovered over 3 million stolen artworks since 1969.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.