Polish police have arrested five men and recovered the “Arbeit Macht Frei” sign that was stolen from Auschwitz last week. It had been cut into three pieces. “Robbery and material gain are considered one of the main possible motives, but whether that was done on someone’s order will be determined in the process of the investigation,” said deputy investigator Marek Wozniczka.

Some researchers think that the 1,500 gold and silver objects of the Staffordshire Hoard may be the lost treasure of the seventh-century Christian convert, King Edwin, who ruled Northumbria, England. Pope Boniface V sent the monarch gifts of silver and gold in order to keep him loyal to the Christian cause. “If we cannot raise enough money to buy the hoard, the Vatican would certainly be interested in acquiring it I’m sure,” said Deb Klemperer of the Potteries Museum in Stoke-on-Trent.   

Just in time for Christmas, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced that it unearthed a dwelling from the early Roman period in Nazareth. “The discovery is of the utmost importance since it reveals for the very first time a house from the Jewish village of Nazareth and thereby sheds light on the way of life at the time of Jesus,” said excavation director Yardenna Alexandre.  

An Australian hospital ship torpedoed by a Japanese submarine during World War II has been found. “The discovery of AHS Centaur will ensure all Australians know of and commemorate the 268 brave nurses and crew who died in the service of their nation,” said Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard.   

Egypt will reportedly request that Germany return the bust of Nefertiti.  

Wondering what to serve at your Winter Solstice party? Researchers will examine the artifacts recovered from Stonehenge to try to determine what the people who built and used the stone circle ate.

This entry was posted by Jessica E. Saraceni on Monday, December 21, 2009. Discussion of this blog entry is now closed.

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