US EditionThieves have stolen ancient Roman-era statues from the national museum in Syria
- Thieves struck the National Museum of Damascus, stealing six marble statues Sunday night and discovered early Monday, two officials from Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said.
- After Syria's conflict began in March 2011, security measures like metal gates and surveillance cameras were installed before the museum reopened on Jan 8, 2025.
- In the classical department, which houses Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine artefacts, guards found the broken door, through which thieves entered the classical department of the National Museum of Damascus.
- The National Museum of Damascus was temporarily closed after the heist was discovered early Monday, and the Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums launched an investigation with specialised teams making multiple arrests.
- The heist occurs as Syria reels from a 14-year civil war and authorities moved artifacts from Palmyra to Damascus; it follows a Paris theft, raising security concerns.
155 Articles
155 Articles
Officials reported that works were stolen from the wing with works from the Hellenistic and Roman eras.
Theft of Roman statues from Syria's main museum believed to be work of an individual
Investigators believe the theft of several ancient statues dating back to the Roman era from Syria's national museum was likely the work of an individual, not an organized gang, officials said Wednesday.
Syrian investigators searched the National Museum on Wednesday. Burglars broke into the classical wing two days ago.
Roman-era treasures stolen from Syria’s national museum
Thieves made off with several ancient gold ingots from Syria's national museum in Damascus, a security source and another close to the institution's management said Tuesday. The museum was spared during Syria's destructive civil war that ran from 2011 to late last year and houses priceless artefacts dating back to antiquity. The robbery took place overnight from Sunday to Monday, with a source close to management telling AFP that "six items were…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
