A federal court has issued an order that a rare ancient artifact, known as the Gilgamesh Dream Tablet, must be surrendered to authorities.
The 3 500-year-old tablet, from what is now known as Iraq, bears text from the Epic of Gilgamesh – one of the world’s oldest pieces of literature. The Gilgamesh Dream Tablet features sections of a Sumerian poem – parts of the epic mirror stories from the Old Testament, such as the Garden of Eden.
According to officials it was imported illegally before being purchased by the Christian-owned brand Hobby Lobby. The Gilgamesh tablet was then put on display at the Museum of the Bible.
Acting US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Jacquelyn M Kasulis, described the development as “an important milestone on the path to returning this rare and ancient masterpiece of world literature to its country of origin”.
The Gilgamesh Tablet was seized from the museum by Homeland security in 2019.
According to officials, Hobby Lobby has consented to the forfeiture. Hobby Lobby has previously been fined $3 million and forced to hand over thousands of other ancient artifacts.
Sources: Daily Sun, BBC
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