Ancient sarcophagus, depicting the Twelve Labors of Hercules, smuggled out of Turkey in the 1960s is to be returned by Switzerland after a decision from Swiss prosecutors.

The sarcophagus was smuggled out of southern Turkey’s ancient Anatolian city of Perge in the 1960s. The item had been confiscated by Swiss authorities in 2010. The sarcophagus sides are richly ornamented depicting the Twelve Labors of Hercules in high relief. It is believed that many Turkish historical artefacts had been smuggled abroad since Ottoman times and were exhibited in some major museums despite being stolen.

(after Daily Sabah)