Thieves Steal Ancient Roman Statues from Syria’s National Museum

Thieves broke into the National Museum of Damascus, stealing several ancient statues from the Roman era, according to local officials. The theft was discovered early on Monday, prompting the museum’s temporary closure. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the security of cultural heritage in a country still recovering from a protracted civil conflict.

The museum, which reopened on January 8, 2023, after being closed due to security fears following the fall of President Bashar Assad‘s regime, houses invaluable artifacts that trace Syria’s rich history. Following the onset of the civil war in March 2011, security measures were significantly enhanced, with the installation of metal gates and surveillance cameras to protect its collections.

An official from the Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums confirmed to The Associated Press that six marble statues had been stolen. The authorities are currently conducting an investigation to identify the perpetrators. Another source, also speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated that the theft occurred on Sunday night, with the broken door at the classical department discovered early the next morning.

Attempts to gather more information on the incident were met with silence from security personnel. When approached by an AP journalist on Tuesday morning, museum guards confirmed the facility was closed but provided no further details regarding the theft.

The section of the museum where the statues were stolen is known for its rich collection, featuring artifacts from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Maamoun Abdulkarim, the former head of the government’s antiquities and museums department, described the area as “a beautiful and historically-rich department.”

The museum’s closure after the recent theft raises questions about the security of cultural sites in Syria, particularly following the years of conflict that have seen widespread looting. During the war, authorities relocated hundreds of priceless artifacts to Damascus from various regions, including Palmyra, which had been under the control of the Islamic State group. In 2015, IS militants destroyed significant mausoleums in Palmyra’s UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its ancient Roman colonnades and other invaluable ruins.

As Syria continues to grapple with the aftermath of a civil war that has lasted over 14 years, incidents like this theft underscore the ongoing challenges in protecting its historical and cultural heritage. The international community remains watchful as the nation navigates this complex landscape of recovery and preservation.