Read on Global NewsAncient Roman-Era Statues Stolen from Syria's National Museum in Damascus Heist
Thieves broke into Syria's National Museum in Damascus and stole several ancient Roman-era statues in a Sunday night heist. Officials confirmed the theft was discovered when museum staff found a broken door at the classical department. The museum, which had recently reopened after years of closure during Syria's civil war, houses priceless antiquities from various historical periods. Authorities are investigating the incident and questioning guards as the country works to preserve its cultural heritage amid ongoing challenges.
In a significant cultural theft, several ancient Roman-era statues were stolen from Syria's National Museum in Damascus during a Sunday night break-in. The heist represents a troubling setback for Syria's efforts to preserve its cultural heritage following years of civil conflict and political instability.
The Museum Break-In
According to officials from Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums, the theft occurred on Sunday night and was discovered early Monday morning when museum staff found one of the doors at the classical department broken. The museum was temporarily closed following the discovery as authorities launched an investigation into the incident.
An official speaking on condition of anonymity confirmed to The Associated Press that six marble statues were stolen in the heist. The police chief in Damascus, Brig. Gen. Osama Atkeh, later told state news agency SANA that "several statues and rare collectibles were stolen from the museum" and that guards and other individuals were being questioned in connection with the theft.
Historical Significance
The stolen artifacts date back to the Roman era and were housed in what former antiquities department head Maamoun Abdulkarim described as "a beautiful and historically rich department with artifacts dating back to the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods." This section of the museum contains priceless antiquities that represent Syria's rich cultural history spanning multiple civilizations.
The National Museum of Damascus, Syria's largest museum, had only recently reopened in January 2025 after being closed during the country's 14-year civil war. The museum's reopening marked a significant moment for Syria as the country emerged from the fall of the 54-year Assad family rule and worked to restore normalcy to cultural institutions.
Security Concerns and Cultural Preservation
Following the start of the civil war in March 2011, Syrian authorities had implemented enhanced security measures at the museum, including metal gates and surveillance cameras. Hundreds of artifacts from around the country were moved to Damascus for safekeeping during the conflict, reflecting the importance placed on protecting Syria's cultural heritage.
This theft highlights the ongoing challenges facing Syria's cultural preservation efforts. During the years of conflict, historical sites including the UNESCO World Heritage site in Palmyra suffered significant damage, with Islamic State members destroying mausoleums and other priceless artifacts in 2015.
Investigation and Recovery Efforts
Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the theft, with multiple officials from Syria's antiquities department and law enforcement agencies involved. The ongoing investigation aims to determine how the thieves bypassed security measures and identify those responsible for the cultural crime.
The incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of cultural institutions during periods of political transition and the continued need for robust security measures to protect irreplaceable historical artifacts for future generations.
