The Return the Obelisk of Axum!
Looted Obelisk remained in Italy for over 50 years
Ethopian Treasure
A 24 meter tall, granite obelisk which once marked a primitive burial grounds in Ethiopia has now been returned to its original owner.
Obelisk of Axum
1,700 years old, 160 tons, false doors at the base, 24 meters tall The Obelisk was used to mark primitive burial grounds in ancient Ethiopia. Many obelisks existed in Ethiopia. Many of them fell down due to earthquakes, structural collapse and/or military invasions.
Obelisk of Axum in Rome
Italian soldiers found the Obelisk, collapsed and broken into three parts and removed it to be taken back to be erected in Italy at Rome's Porta Capena Square.
Obelisk of Axum returned to Ethiopia
In 1947, Italy agreed to return the stele to Ethiopia. Over 50 years passed before the giant artifact was indeed returned to its original country. The entire stele was returned in 2005 and was resurrected in its original home in September 2008.
Delay in the Return of the Ancient Obelisk
Many reasons kept the obelisk from being returned to Ethiopia. After the UN agreement in 1947, neither country took action to return the obelisk. There was a huge cost involved in moving such a heavy artifact and neither country had the funds to do so. The Ethiopian airport was too small to allow such a large plane to fly in cargo and land properly. Eventually the airport was upgraded to allow the return of the missing artifact.