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.
163 Articles
163 Articles
Syria denounces theft of valuable statues from National Museum
Among the stolen works are six sculptures of Venus, made of marble, alabaster, and plaster, which were part of the valuable collection displayed in the museum’s galleries. According to official information, one of the pieces is a restored marble Venus with fractured feet; another is an incomplete figure carved in alabaster; and a third is a plaster statue representing a standing woman, considered a classic example of female sculpture. The Minist…
Dnevni list Danas
nin.rsThe six stolen marble sculptures date back to the Roman period, officials have confirmed.
The museum door was broken. Ladrons carried six rare statues in marble. An investigation is under way at the National Museum of Damascus, which was closed.
Officials reported that works were stolen from the wing with works from the Hellenistic and Roman eras.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 52% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
