The objects are on display in the town of Casabianca

Italian law stipulates that all ancient artifacts found on Italian soil must be turned over to the Italian state.

Archaeological experts in Italy have battled for decades to secure the return of ancient treasures that made their way abroad.

The Italian authorities have been particularly critical of museums and collectors who have bought stolen artworks.

In 1999, the Getty museum returned three major antiquities to Italy after they were shown to have been stolen.

The pieces were a Greek terracotta cup, dating back to the fifth century BC, and two ancient Roman sculptures, from the second century.

Marbles

The most important item, the ceremonial cup - nearly a metre in diameter - was signed by the potter Euphronious and decorated with scenes from the Trojan War.

It was brought from Greece by the Etruscans, the pre-Roman inhabitants of central Italy.

One of the marbles was stolen from an archaeological site. The other was taken from a private Italian collection.

Both were sold by thieves to dealers who then sold them for millions of dollars to the museum, one of the world's wealthiest art foundations.