Written by Maija Ehlinger, CNNOscar Holland, CNN
Spanish police have recovered hundreds of archaeological artifacts, including marine fossils, Bronze Age pottery and 18th-century weapons, from two houses in the southeastern province of Alicante.
More than 200 human bone fragments, some dating between 4,000 and 5,000 years old, were also confiscated from the homes, Spain’s Civil Guard said in a statement on Friday.
The discovery follows a weeks-long investigation known as Operation Osarium, which led police to what they called “one of the largest illegal private collections” in Alicante. Two men are currently being investigated for embezzling goods of artistic, historical, cultural or scientific value, the statement said.
Roman mosaic tiles, Palaeolithic flint tools, and ancient weapons including cannonballs and an iron grenade were among the 350 archaeological artifacts recovered.
Artifacts such as marine fossils, Bronze Age pottery and 18th-century weapons have been found. Photo credit: Guardia Civil
After the initial discovery was made at a house in the village of Gata de Gorgos, the homeowner cooperated with the police and led them to a larger collection on a property in the nearby town of Dénia.
The resident of the second home claimed the archaeological items discovered there were inherited from a deceased relative, although police found no documentation “that would justify his possession” of the artifacts, the statement added. However, investigators found notebooks with handwritten notes by the deceased relative showing where the items came from.
The finds were made from two houses in the province of Alicante. Photo credit: Guardia Civil
In addition, more than 200 human bone fragments were recovered. Photo credit: Guardia Civil
The Spanish Civil Guard said it is seeking to work with officials from the Culture Ministry to research and catalog the items.
“Examination by specialists could help date the provenance and context of the pieces, increasing their value and even facilitating the location of new archaeological sites,” the police statement added.
The discovery comes a year after 36 stolen antiquities, also recovered by the Spanish Civil Guard, were returned to Egypt. The objects, including goddess figurines and ancient jugs, were seized in the Spanish port of Valencia after they were smuggled out of archaeological sites in 2014, according to Portal.