A HIGHLY prized, 2,000-year-old fragment of a grave from the Middle East is to be returned to its homeland after it was found in the North-East.

The decorated piece of a lead sarcophagus, or coffin, dating from the Roman period will be returned to the Syrian National Museum thanks to the efforts of experts at Newcastle University's Museum of Antiquities.

The find came into the possession of a Newcastle family several years ago, and they amazed archaeologists by donating it to the museum.

Lindsay Allason-Jones, the university's archaeological museums director, said: "Over the years, I have learnt not to be too surprised at the artefacts which are brought into the museum for identification or as potential donations.

"But I was absolutely amazed when a lady struggled in with a very heavy panel from a Roman-Syrian lead sarcophagus."

Its certificate of authenticity, from a French antiquities dealer, was handwritten, and it was unclear where the piece had originated from. It had been bought in 1995.

Months of detective work followed, which eventually led to the city of Aradus, on the island of Arwad, off Syria, a site with a complex Phoenician and Roman history.

The piece is unusual because of the richness and depth of its relief decoration.

As well as a standing figure, it is decorated with rosettes, vegetation and beaded swags, all symbols of eternal life.

The figure has long hair parted in the middle, wears a tunic gathered in the centre of the hem and stands with arms crossed in supplication. A motif in the top left corner may represent the sun, a symbol of rebirth.

The artefact dates from between the Second Century BC and the Second Century AD, well within the Roman period. However, the dress of the figure shows a strong Phoenician influence.

The quality of the piece suggests it would have been made for someone of considerable wealth.

The piece, which is 18in by 14in, is incomplete, so it is unknown if it came from the end or side panel of a sarcophagus or box tomb.

The museum contacted the Syrian Embassy in London, which was delighted when its request for the return of the piece was granted. It will be handed over on Tuesday.

Until then, it will be on display at the museum tomorrow and on Monday.