Archaeological findings and mummified alligator discovered in Messina house: reported

Last Updated: March 8, 2024

A 26-year-old foreign citizen has been reported by the carabinieri of Messina Bordonaro for receiving stolen cultural goods after hiding numerous archaeological artifacts dating back to around 400 BC in his home. The military found and seized 55 archaeological artifacts, including amphorae, oil lamps, and a wide variety of jewelry, in the young man’s residence. Additionally, an mummified alligator over a meter long and a small amount of marijuana were also found, leading to the suspect being reported to the prefecture of Messina as a drug user. The seized archaeological material and alligator will be kept at the carabinieri station pending technical assessments by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and the Cites Scientific Committee (International Trade in Fauna and Flora).