Rome, June 5, 2026 – The Libyan ambassador to Italy met on Thursday morning at the embassy with Italian archaeologist Professor Savino di Lernia, professor of African archaeology and ethnoarchaeology at Sapienza University in Rome and one of the leading specialists in Saharan prehistory studies.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the final arrangements for the return of the “Takarkori” mummy, which was discovered in 2003 in the Tadrart Acacus region, southwestern Libya.

Professor Savino di Lernia explained that the mummy was taken to Italy in 2004 for scientific study, restoration, and preservation, where it underwent specialized research programs that helped document its historical and archaeological value.

The mummy, belonging to a woman who lived about seven thousand years ago during the Green Sahara period, is considered one of the most important archaeological discoveries in North Africa for the valuable scientific information it provided about ancient pastoral societies in the Sahara.

According to information released, the mummy is scheduled to be transported next Saturday on a dedicated plane, ahead of its display in the permanent collection of the National Museum in Tripoli, marking the return of one of Libya’s most significant archaeological artifacts to its homeland.

In conclusion, the Libyan ambassador expressed appreciation for the scientific efforts made by Professor Savino di Lernia in studying Libya’s archaeological heritage and highlighting its cultural value, wishing for continued fruitful cooperation between researchers and scientific institutions in both friendly countries.

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Tadrart Acacus

Tadrart Acacus is a mountain range in the Sahara Desert of southwestern Libya, renowned for its prehistoric rock art dating back to around 12,000 BCE. The site features thousands of cave paintings and engravings that depict changing environments, wildlife, and human activities, reflecting the region’s transition from a lush savanna to an arid desert. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, it provides invaluable insight into early human life and cultural evolution in North Africa.

Sapienza University in Rome

Sapienza University of Rome, founded in 1303 by Pope Boniface VIII, is one of the world’s oldest universities and a leading academic institution in Europe. Its history spans over seven centuries, during which it has been a center for scholarship, scientific discovery, and cultural exchange. Today, the university’s main campus, designed by Marcello Piacentini, is a notable example of rationalist architecture.

National Museum in Tripoli

The National Museum in Tripoli, located in the Libyan capital, is one of the country’s most important cultural institutions. Housed in the former palace of King Idris I, it was established after the 2011 revolution and showcases artifacts spanning Libya’s rich history, from prehistoric times through the Phoenician, Roman, and Islamic periods. The museum is particularly renowned for its collection of ancient mosaics and statues from the Roman city of Leptis Magna.