History. See the future. It’s in the past.

Join us for this history course and learn how armies, tomb robbers, terrorist organisations and some of the world’s most distinguished museums have all contributed to the illicit trade in antiquities. The problem is complex and the solution is not easy, but in recent years there have been some spectacular successes in the repatriation of cultural property.

We begin by considering the notions of possession and ownership of antiquities and the development in law of concepts of state ownership of cultural property. We then look at current international UN conventions and the mechanisms for recovery and repatriation. The concept of World Heritage and its impact is also assessed.

Case studies look at 19th century looting by colonial armies in Africa and recent political pressure on European museums for repatriation. We will also look at the theft of antiquities by tomb robbers and site looters in contemporary Italy and war-torn Iraq. There will be plenty of opportunity for discussion through the evaluation of past failures and successes and for future solutions.

Aims

This course aims to explore some of the ethical, legal and political aspects of looting, theft and the illicit trade in antiquities. It seeks to clarify notions of individual, national or group ownership of cultural property and to assess the arguments for the repatriation of antiquities once seized.

Outcomes

By the e