Italian authorities have recovered valuable 3rd century B.C. Etruscan artefacts worth at least 8 million euros ($8.5 million) from a looted necropolis in Umbria.

The items, including urns, sarcophagi, and beauty accessories, were discovered by two amateur tomb raiders on their land in Citta della Pieve.

The artefacts, which feature Greek mythology scenes and gold-painted jewels, were posted online by the suspects in an attempt to sell them.

Police tracked the pair through wiretaps and surveillance, leading to their arrest, Reuters has reported.

The two face charges of theft and illegal trading in stolen goods, with possible jail sentences of up to 10 years.

Written by B.C. Begley