The first section of a 1,700-year-old stone obelisk grabbed by Italy nearly 70 years ago has arrived back in Ethiopia. The Axum obelisk is regarded as one of Ethiopia's national religious treasures. The country saw back the middle part of the obelisk; the top and bottom should follow within a week. Italian troops seized the obelisk in 1937 and took it to Rome, where it has remained ever since, despite a 1947 UN agreement to return it to Ethiopia. The ornately decorated 24-metre (78ft) obelisk is regarded as an outstanding example of architecture from the ancient city of Axum, itself seen as one of the four great kingdoms of the ancient world. The complete erection of the obelisk is expected in September.

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