Several ancient statues from the Roman era were stolen in a burglary at the national museum in Syria’s capital, officials reported on Tuesday. The theft, which occurred overnight on Sunday, was discovered early Monday, prompting the temporary closure of the National Museum of Damascus. The museum, which reopened in January following the end of a 14-year civil war and the fall of the 54-year Assad family rule, is home to priceless antiquities reflecting Syria’s extensive history.
The stolen items included six marble statues, according to an official from Syria’s Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums who spoke on condition of anonymity. The heist was uncovered when security personnel found a broken door in the classical department of the museum, with several ancient Roman statues missing. The exact number of stolen artifacts has not been disclosed.
Authorities, including Damascus police chief Brig.-Gen. Osama Atkeh, confirmed the theft of statues and rare collectibles from the museum. Guards and other individuals are currently under investigation in connection with the incident. The Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums initiated an immediate investigation and security measures to safeguard the remaining antiquities in the museum.
The section of the museum targeted in the theft houses artifacts dating back to the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Maamoun Abdulkarim, former head of the government’s Antiquities and Museums Department, described the department as historically rich and highlighted its significance.
Since the start of the conflict in Syria in 2011, authorities have relocated numerous valuable artifacts to Damascus from various regions, including the ancient town of Palmyra, previously under the control of ISIS. In 2015, ISIS militants destroyed mausoleums in Palmyra’s UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its Roman colonnades, ancient ruins, and precious artifacts.
