What's Happening?
A Roman-era gravestone discovered in a New Orleans backyard has been identified as belonging to Sextus Congenius Verus, a Roman soldier buried 1,900 years ago in Italy. The gravestone was missing from
an Italian museum since World War II, when the museum was bombed. The discovery was made by Daniella Santoro, who initially thought the stone was a large rock. The gravestone's inscription was confirmed by experts to be genuine, and it is now set to be returned to its original location in Italy. The stone's journey from Italy to New Orleans remains a mystery, linked to post-war chaos.
Why It's Important?
This discovery sheds light on the historical movement of artifacts during and after World War II, highlighting issues of cultural heritage preservation and the impact of war on historical sites. The return of the gravestone to Italy represents a significant step in rectifying past losses and underscores the importance of international cooperation in preserving historical artifacts. It also raises awareness about the potential for undiscovered historical items in unexpected locations.