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Manuscript Book Of Psalms Returned to Ethiopia


A handwritten copy of the Biblical book of Psalms has been returned to Ethiopia, 135 years after it was seized by British soldiers.

The 300-year-old book was stolen by British troops who stormed the mountain fortress of Emperor Theodore at Magdala after he detained several Western diplomats and missionaries.

The Psalms are written in Geez, an ancient Ethiopian language, and the book remains in good condition.

The book ended up in the hands of private collectors. A group dedicated to returning historical artifacts to Ethiopia, AFROMET, bought the book and has arranged for its return. It says the handwritten book is considered a national treasure in Ethiopia.

AFROMET says dozens of looted Ethiopian treasures remain in the hands of private collectors, as well as such institutions as the British Library.

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