A fragment of the eastern frieze of the Athenian Parthenon that was in the Archeological Museum of Palermo (Sicily, southern Italy) will return to the Greek capital, after an agreement was reached between the Italian institution and the Acropolis Museum of Athens. 

The regional authorities reported in a statement that it is the so-called “Fagan find“, a fragment of Pentelic marble depicting the foot of the goddess Peitho or Artemis (Goddess of the Hunt) seated on the throne, and which was acquired by the University of Palermo in 1820, like the rest of the archeological collection of the English consul Robert Fagan.

In exchange, two important finds from the Acropolis Museum will travel to Italy from Athens: an important acephalous statue of Athena, from the end of the 5th century BC, and a geometric amphora from the first half of the 8th century BC.

The agreement provides that, for a period of 4 years, the Sicilian museum will transfer to the Acropolis of Athens the fragment belonging to the Parthenon, although the intention of the Sicilian authorities is an indefinite return of the find to Greece.

In this regard, the Italian region has asked the Ministry of Culture “an itinerary” that leads to this, which is currently being discussed within the Committee for the Recovery and Restitution of cultural property, explained in the note.

“The return of the fragment to Athens confirms that feeling of cultural brotherhood that unites Sicily and Greece, in the recognition of the common Mediterranean roots and the ancient and deep ties between the two countries,” said Alberto Samoná, cultural adviser to the regional government.