Turkey Seizes Marble Head of Zeus, Believed to Be 2,000 Years Old

Turkish authorities have seized a marble head of Zeus, the ancient Greek king of the gods, in the western city of Izmir. The piece is believed to date from the Roman period, around 2,000 years ago.

The seizure took place on 21 October 2026 in Konak, a district of Izmir on Turkey's Aegean coast. The operation was led by the Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the state office that brings criminal cases. Officers from the provincial police's Anti-Smuggling and Intelligence branches took part, according to ArtNews.

Three suspects were detained. They were charged with violating Law No. 2863, Turkey's law on the protection of cultural and natural heritage, which covers the country's historic objects and natural sites. After appearing in court, all three were arrested.

The Zeus head is not the only find. Turkish authorities also seized more than 7,100 other historical artifacts in separate anti-smuggling operations, Xinhua reported. Anti-smuggling teams work to stop goods being moved illegally across borders or out of a country, and historical objects are one category they watch.

For readers outside Turkey, the case shows how often old objects end up in the hands of police and prosecutors. Heritage laws set who may own, sell or move such pieces, and breaking them can lead to arrest and charges, as this case has.

Further details may come from the prosecutor's office.