The so-called Benghazi Treasure

Martin Bailey has discussed the pillage of antiquities that had been stored in a secure location in Benghazi ("Interpol confirms Libyan treasure was looted", The Art Newspaper November 2011). The material seems to have been found during the Italian occupation of Cyrenaica.

The Benghazi Trea­s­ure comprises 364 gold coins, 2,433 silver coins, 4,484 bronze coins, 306 pieces of jewellery and 43 other antiquities, including stat­ues.

This seems to contain Greek, Roman and Byzantine material.

Dealers and galleries that handle archaeological material will need to insist that they see authenticated documentation for any recently surafaced objects.