Historic Artifacts Stolen from Syria's National Museum Located in Damascus
Historic sculptures and additional items have been removed from the National Museum of Syria in Damascus, authorities report.
The burglary was noticed on Monday, when employees reportedly found that one of the museum's doors had been damaged from the interior.
The six stolen statues were marble creations and dated back to the ancient Roman times, a source informed the Associated Press.
Cultural heritage officials said it had initiated an inquiry to determine the "circumstances surrounding the disappearance of a number of items", and that actions had been implemented to improve security and observation methods.
The chief of internal security in Damascus province, Security Chief Atkeh, was referenced by the government press as declaring that authorities were investigating the robbery, which he said had affected several "ancient sculptures and rare collectibles".
He continued that guards at the museum and other individuals were being interviewed.
The National Museum, which was created in 1919, contains the most important cultural treasures in Syria.
It features historical records originating to the 14th Century BC from Ugarit, where indications of the most ancient writing system was found; early centuries CE Greco-Roman sculptures from the ancient city, among the foremost cultural centres of the classical era; and a 3rd Century AD religious building that was constructed at an ancient location.
The museum was compelled to shut in the early 2010s, a year after the outbreak of the destructive conflict. The majority of the artifacts was removed and stored at secure places to ensure their safety.
It reopened partially in recent years and completely reopened in January 2025, one month after rebel forces removed Syria's former leader.
Every one of Syria's Unesco World Heritage sites were damaged or significantly impacted during the civil war.
The militant faction destroyed numerous temples and historical sites at the ancient city, asserting that they were un-Islamic. The cultural organization denounced the damage as a war crime.
Many artefacts were also lost or stolen from historical locations and museums.
