Several ancient statues from the Roman era were stolen in a burglary at Syria’s national museum in Damascus, officials reported on Tuesday. The theft prompted a temporary closure of the museum, which had reopened in January following the end of a 14-year civil war and the downfall of the 54-year Assad family regime.
The museum, known as the largest in the country, holds priceless artifacts that span Syria’s extensive history. In response to the conflict, security measures were increased with metal gates and surveillance cameras.
According to an official from Syria’s Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums, six marble statues were taken, and an investigation is currently underway. The theft was discovered early Monday after a break-in on Sunday night in the classical department where several Roman-era statues were found missing.
Authorities, who requested anonymity in accordance with regulations, disclosed that various statues and rare artifacts were stolen from the museum. The police chief in Damascus, Brig.-Gen. Osama Atkeh, mentioned that individuals, including guards, were being interrogated in connection with the incident.
An AP journalist attempting to enter the museum was informed by guards that photography was prohibited. The Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums later confirmed that an investigation had been initiated to secure the remaining antiquities within the museum. The statement did not specify the stolen items, only noting that “some exhibits” had disappeared.
The section of the museum where the statues were stolen is described as a historically significant department showcasing artifacts from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad by rebels, the museum had closed temporarily to prevent looting.
During the Syrian conflict that began in 2011, valuable artifacts were relocated to Damascus from various regions, including the historic town of Palmyra, previously controlled by ISIS. In 2015, ISIS militants destroyed mausoleums at Palmyra’s UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its ancient Roman structures and cultural treasures.
