Hundreds of looted artifacts returned to Iraq

BAGHDAD - Hundreds of Iraqi artifacts looted from museums and archaeological sites across the country - including a 4,400-year-old statue of an ancient king stolen during the US-led invasion - have been returned to Iraq and were displayed Tuesday.

Iraq is home to relics of the world's most ancient urban civilizations. But its priceless heritage has been plundered during the country's wars and upheavals, and its precious antiquities sold to collectors abroad.

The US military was heavily criticized for not protecting the Iraqi National Museum's trove of relics and art follow
(AP)

7 September 2010,