Archaeological Treasures Recovered

Investigators have recovered thousands of artifacts, including a sculpture of an ancient goddess and precious jewelry, plundered from sites across Spain, police said Thursday.

They also have arrested more than 100 people suspected in a network of illegal collectors that is believed to have unearthed the estimated 200,000 artifacts dating back to 3,000 B.C.

In a statement, police described the recovered pieces as having "incalculable artistic, historic and scientific value."

The treasures, illegally excavated from 530 sites around the country date from several historical periods - when Visigoths, Iberians, Romans, Greeks and Phoenicians inhabited the Iberian Peninsula.

Among the most valuable pieces were a statue of Calliope, the Muse of epic poetry in Greek mythology; two important collections of silver coins from a fourth-century Arab treasure; and hundreds of sculptures and pieces of gold jewelry.

Investigators also recovered official mercantile stamps that will help historians study Roman trade routes, the statement said.

Police said they grew suspicious last summer when paramilitaries with the Civil Guard found a resident of the southern city of Seville who was collecting artifacts without authorization.

The recovered pieces are being donated to Spanish museums, police said. A police spokeswoman said it was not known if the group sold artifacts outside Spain.


By Sarah Andrews