History does not tolerate the subjunctive mood, but with downcast eyes it bears down the lewdness of robbers, who have the courage to expose entire countries. Legendary historical artifacts have always been highly prized on the black market, and the major world powers still do not see anything wrong with buying lots that originally belonged to another culture. However, the true owners of expensive artifacts do not want to stand aside: claims often turn into real wars.
Aksum obelisk
The famous Aksum obelisk, which is 1700 years old, was stolen by the Nazis back in 1937. The trial has already cost Italy more than $ 13 million - it is expected that the artifact will soon return to its homeland.
Sphinx beard
Egypt still cannot agree with Great Britain on the return of the Great Sphinx beard, which is currently kept in the basement of the British Museum. This piece of a 4,600-year-old artifact was sold to England back in 1818.
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Rosetta stone
The black basalt stele, now known as the Rosetta Stone, was discovered by English archaeologists in 1799. It is believed that this artifact can become the key to the cipher of the ancient Egyptian cuneiform. Unfortunately, political intrigues do not allow scientists to test the benefits of the artifact in practice: the Rosetta Stone remains one of the main exhibits of the British Museum, despite all attempts by the Egyptians to return it to its homeland.
Bust of Nefertiti
Generally speaking, the Egyptians are suing almost the whole world: at one time, a wagon and a small cart of artifacts were removed from the territory of Egypt. One of the main subjects of controversy is the bust of the wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten - the statue of Nefertiti is more than 3300 years old and the Germans are in no hurry to give it to the Egyptians. Consecutive German scientists have only one argument: "It is too fragile."
Babri Mosque
Hindus believe that on the site of an ancient mosque there was an even more ancient palace building, where Rama himself was born. In 1992, seemingly peaceful Indians inflamed so much that they razed the mosque to the ground: the riots that broke out cost the lives of two thousand Muslims. Even now, Muslims and Hindus cannot decide who actually has the right to own the sacred ruins.
Elgin Marbles
The British ambassador, Lord Elgin, collected ancient Greek art at his leisure and managed to take the entire collection to London. Today, Greece foaming at the mouth defends the right to return the artifacts to their homeland, and prim Britain pretends that it does not understand at all what this is about. Ours, that's all.
Ancient temple
Cambodia and Thailand are waging a real mini-war for the ownership of the ancient temple Khao Phra Viharn. Moreover, the International Court of Justice granted Cambodia the official right to manage the land on which the temple stands. In response, Thailand simply took and resigned from the International Court of Justice. In February 2011, the situation escalated to an exchange of fire: 18 people were killed on both sides, more than 85,000 residents of surrounding villages were evacuated.