Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
Vol. 5 Num 1082 Sun. June 17, 2007  
   
International


Treasure hunt strikes gold


Archaeologists searching the former royal estate outside Athens have discovered a treasure trove of art and antiquities, the fate of which had been unknown since ex-king Constantine fled Greece four decades ago.

More than 200 ancient items and 300 paintings were found inside sealed containers in a stable and in the basement of the main residence at Tatoi, 25 kilometres (15 miles) northwest of the Greek capital, culture ministry officials said during a media tour of the site on Tuesday.

"It's a real treasure hunt, we are in the process of removing these marvellous items from boxes stacked in disorderly heaps," restoration supervisor Nikos Minos told AFP.