As recently posted, the Royal-Athena Galleries, New York,had until recently a sarcophagus, which presents a battle between Greeks and Trojans, on sale. The gallery is owned by Dr. Jerome Eisenberg, New York, and has a more than doubtful history, since it is tighly connected with the Italian illicit antiquities dealer Gianfranco Becchina.

Thanks to Dr. Christos Tsirogiannis, affiliated researcher at the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research, University of Glasgow, the connection between the sarcophagus and G. Becchina, was revealed, and authorities informed. With the provided proof (see here) and in cooperation with Assistant District Attorney in New York, Mr. Matthew Bogdanos, the sarcophagus fragment was seized yesterday January 14 afternoon from the Royal-Athena Galleries in Manhattan.

It is now up to the Greek state to ask officially for its delivery. We congratulate Dr. Christos Tsirogiannis to his excellent work!

Here ou can find an article about his recent work.