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A German woman has returned the limestone capital of an ancient column she took from Olympia more than 50 years ago, Greece’s culture ministry said. The piece, removed from the 4th-century BC Leonidaion, was handed to the University of Muenster, whose help saw it returned to Greece and Ancient Olympia. The handover took place on Friday. The ministry praised her “sensitivity and courage,” noting it is the third artifact the university has repatriated in recent years, after a twin-handled 1896 Olympic wine cup in 2019 and a Roman-era marble head in 2024. Officials called the gesture moving.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.