A 2,600-year-old chariot originating from Cyprus has been successfully recovered and returned to the Republic of Cyprus following an international collaboration. The artifact was officially handed over to the Cypriot Embassy in Paris on June 18, 2026, marking the culmination of a recovery process initiated in May. The Department of Antiquities of the Deputy Ministry of Culture confirmed the repatriation. Details surrounding the initial theft and subsequent auction in France have not been fully disclosed. This recovery represents a significant success for Cypriot cultural heritage preservation. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the chariot’s removal from Cyprus. The repatriation underscores international cooperation in combating the illicit trade of antiquities.
