Turkey demands recovery of ‘stolen’ statue’s detached head

Turkish authorities have requested that Denmark return what they claim to be the severed head of a nearly 2,000-year-old Roman statue that was taken from the country many years ago. The bronze statue of Septimius Severus, the Roman emperor who ruled from 193 to 211 CE, was created in 225 CE. Turkish authorities claim the […]

Turkey demands recovery of ‘stolen’ statue’s detached head

Severed head

Turkish authorities have requested that Denmark return what they claim to be the severed head of a nearly 2,000-year-old Roman statue that was taken from the country many years ago.

The bronze statue of Septimius Severus, the Roman emperor who ruled from 193 to 211 CE, was created in 225 CE. Turkish authorities claim the skull is on exhibit at the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek museum in Copenhagen. It was returned to Turkey from the United States headless in March.

The Glyptotek acknowledged to CNN that the Turkish Embassy had contacted the museum to discuss the piece’s repatriation.

Glyptotek’s head of communications Sofie Konigsfeldt told CNN that, “The doubt arises from the fact that there is no evidence that the fracture surfaces of the head and body fit together, The museum has initiated technical investigations and “looks forward to obtaining clarity on the matter.

“The latest findings will serve as the foundation for any eventual repatriation to Turkey. The decision to return the artwork is not completely in the hands of the museum, but also involves the Danish government,” she added.