Authorities have been comparing the contents of national museums with lists of what they should contain. These range from ancient jewellery to a huge cannon which has disappeared from a Crusader fort. Incredible haul Items found in raids on warehouses and people's homes include Phoenician statues, dozens of Roman columns and sarcophagi, and countless mosaics and ornate pots. Lebanese law dictates that any item more than 300 years old belongs to the state and anyone who owns historic artifact legally is being urged to register them with the Department of Antiquities. But not everyone is happy with the hunt for stolen treasure.
Some antique dealers say they are being unfairly targeted for holding legitimately purchased items.
But most Lebanese hope the country can return to its pre-war days as a tourist destination. Those people hope that the return of the missing treasures may be a small step towards the return of the tourists. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.