Credit: Greek Culture Ministry

Greece’s Ministry of Culture yesterday announced the repatriation of the fragment of a limestone Ionic capital from the Leonidaion, which accommodated athletes during the ancient Olympic Games.

The ministry paid tribute to the “sensitivity and courage” of the German woman who is said to have illegally removed it during a visit to the area.

The transfer was facilitated by the University of Münster in the woman’s hometown.

George Didaskalou, the Greek secretary general for culture, said: “This is a particularly moving moment.

“This act proves that culture and history know no borders but require cooperation, responsibility and mutual respect.

“Every such return is an act of restoration of justice and at the same time a bridge of friendship between peoples.”