Roman relic recovered
The Guardia Civil have confiscated a Roman amphora from a private house in Santa Pola
OFFICERS discovered the archaeological relic by chance while they were working on another investigation, explained a spokesman for the force.
The officers from the Santa Pola territorial judicial police unit (ETPJ) were at a house in the town when they noticed an amphora.
Suspecting it could have great historical value they requested that it be handed over in order to have it examined by experts to confirm its authenticity.
A relative of the property owner, who was on the premises, cooperated fully with the officers and handed over the amphora. He said that he was unaware of its existence, let alone that it was of any archaeological interest.
Officers then contacted the Santa Pola museum of the sea, so that archaeological experts there could examine the piece. It was identified as a Dressel 7-11 type Roman amphora.
Given this information, the Guardia Civil provisionally deposited the piece at the museum on February 14, taking maximum care at all times during its transfer to guarantee its safety.
The following day, the Santa Pola museum officially notified the provincial office of the regional culture department about the find, who in turn informed their regional office, which will make the final decision on the resting place of the piece.
The Guardia Civil reminds the public that archaeological pieces are historical objects, and so are considered public domain items and the property of the regional government.
All discoveries or possession of such objects must be reported. Hence, their sale is forbidden and any transaction or legal business involving any piece considered to be of great historical value is prohibited.