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Rare 1500s Missionary Guides Stolen & Returned to Italy After Decades

A Century-Old Treasure’s Journey Back Home

A collection of priceless books—once used by Jesuit missionaries to navigate their way to China—has finally been recovered and returned to Italy. These ancient volumes, dating back to the 16th century, contain groundbreaking (for their time) scientific observations on astronomy, human anatomy, and mechanics. For years, they were safeguarded in a Jesuit archive in Rome—until a brazen theft between 1999 and 2002 saw nearly forty of them vanish.

The Heist & The Hunt

The stolen books, valued at approximately $400,000, were traced by a multinational team of investigators spanning the Vatican, Hong Kong, and an American university. Their efforts culminated in a dramatic recovery in Manhattan, where six of the rare texts were handed over to Italian authorities after a week-long operation.

A Twist in the Tale

The books had found their way to the University of Notre Dame, loaned by a Chinese owner who had purchased them at an online auction over two decades ago. Unaware of their stolen origins, the university promptly returned them upon request—highlighting how even prestigious institutions can unknowingly become part of illicit trafficking.

The Search Continues

Authorities are still tracking down the original buyer and the auction house involved, refusing to disclose further details. This recovery stands as a testament to global cooperation in preserving history—and ensuring stolen treasures find their way back to their rightful homes.