Egypt successfully retrieves the massive 'Green Sarcophagus' from the United States.

On Monday, Egyptian officials confirmed the return of a large sarcophagus lid from the United States during a formal ceremony in Cairo.

Weighing 500 kilograms (approximately 1,100 pounds), the sarcophagus, which dates back to the Late Period of Ancient Egypt (747-332 BC), is one of the largest of its kind, according to Mostafa Waziri, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.

Ahmed Issa, Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, revealed that the lid was illicitly taken from Egypt and smuggled to the U.S. several years ago.

Issa further explained that the recovery followed extensive cooperation with U.S. authorities and a two-year investigation into the matter.

Waziri explained that the sarcophagus is unusually thick, which led looters to steal only the lid, leaving behind the base. It is referred to as the 'Green Sarcophagus' due to the green face adorning its top.

The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude on Twitter, thanking U.S. authorities for their collaboration in returning the priceless artifact.

According to Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, who was present at the ceremony, the country has reclaimed nearly 29,300 stolen antiquities over the past decade.

In 2022 alone, over 110 artifacts were returned from countries including the United States, New Zealand, France, and others, as stated by the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities.