Pompeiian frescoes stolen, then found

Italian police have recovered two famous frescoes that were stolen last weekend from a house in the Roman city of Pompeii, near Naples. The 1st Century frescoes were found at a construction site close to the historic city, after roadblocks were set up across the whole of Naples province.

The authorities said they had already been packed, and that the aim may have been to smuggle them abroad. Both panels were damaged during the theft. Archaeological officials say they are not sure they will succeed in fully reconstructing them.

Posted by David on April 8, 2003 3:08 PM