Thieves Steal Ancient Roman Statues from Syria’s National Museum in Damascus
Via The Hindu
Damascus | November 12 (TheTrendingPeople.com) — In a shocking incident that has alarmed archaeologists and cultural preservationists worldwide, thieves broke into Syria’s National Museum in Damascus and stole several ancient Roman-era statues, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The theft, discovered early Monday morning, has raised concerns about the vulnerability of Syria’s cultural heritage at a time when the country is attempting to recover from more than a decade of civil war and the recent political upheaval following the fall of the Assad family’s 54-year rule.
Six Roman Statues Stolen in Night Heist
According to officials from Syria’s Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums (DGAM), six marble statues dating back to the Roman period were stolen during the break-in late Sunday night. The theft was discovered when museum staff found one of the doors to the classical antiquities department broken early Monday.
An official told The Associated Press that the National Museum of Damascus, Syria’s largest and most historically significant museum, was briefly closed following the discovery of the heist.
“The investigation is ongoing, and steps have been taken to ensure the safety of the remaining artifacts,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity as the government had not yet issued a formal statement.
Another museum representative confirmed that the stolen statues were part of the museum’s Roman-era collection, located in a section renowned for its artifacts from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods.
Police Launch Investigation; Guards Questioned
Brigadier General Osama Atkeh, the Damascus police chief, told the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) that police had launched an immediate investigation into the theft.
“Several statues and rare collectibles were stolen from the museum. The guards and other individuals are being questioned as part of the inquiry,” he said.
Security personnel at the museum told visiting journalists that photography was temporarily prohibited, citing ongoing investigative procedures.
Cultural Officials Confirm Protective Measures
Later on Tuesday, the Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums released an official statement confirming that “some exhibits” had gone missing and that security measures were being reinforced across the museum.
“An investigation has been launched, and measures were taken immediately to guarantee the safety of the antiquities inside the museum,” the statement said, without providing specific details on the stolen items.
Maamoun Abdulkarim, the former head of Syria’s antiquities department, described the targeted section of the museum as one of its most valuable collections.
“It is a beautiful and historically rich department with artifacts dating back to the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods,” he told reporters, expressing deep concern over the loss.
Museum’s Troubled Past Amid Civil Conflict
The National Museum of Damascus, founded in 1919, is one of the oldest and most important cultural institutions in the Arab world. It houses thousands of relics and artifacts from ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Levant, including Roman mosaics, Byzantine sculptures, and early Islamic manuscripts.
The museum had reopened in January 2025, marking a symbolic step toward cultural revival after 14 years of civil conflict that began in March 2011. The reopening came just a month after rebel forces ousted President Bashar al-Assad, ending five decades of Assad family rule.
Following the outbreak of the war, authorities had relocated hundreds of valuable artifacts from regional museums to Damascus, fearing looting and destruction by militant groups. Enhanced security measures, including metal gates and surveillance cameras, were installed to safeguard the national collection.
Heritage Under Threat: A Legacy of Loss
Syria’s cultural heritage has endured extensive damage over the past decade due to armed conflict, looting, and militant attacks. Historic sites such as Palmyra, Aleppo’s ancient souk, and Bosra’s Roman theatre have suffered irreplaceable losses.
The most infamous instance occurred in 2015, when the Islamic State (IS) group destroyed large portions of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Palmyra, including its iconic 2,000-year-old Roman colonnades, temples, and mausoleums.
The theft from the Damascus museum marks a new chapter in the ongoing threat to Syria’s antiquities, even as the nation attempts to rebuild. Experts fear the stolen artifacts could soon appear on the international black market, where demand for rare Middle Eastern antiquities remains high.
Global Concern Over the Theft
The heist has drawn international attention from cultural preservation bodies and archaeologists who have long warned of the black-market trade in stolen artifacts from conflict zones.
The UNESCO office in Paris is reportedly in contact with Syrian authorities to assist in identifying and tracking the missing pieces. Heritage experts note that the stolen statues, made of white marble and believed to date between the 1st and 3rd centuries CE, may represent figures from Syria’s Roman-era temples or public buildings.
“These statues are not just art — they are evidence of the civilizations that once flourished in the region,” said a Middle East antiquities expert, calling the theft a “tragic cultural loss.”
Looking Ahead: Safeguarding Syria’s Past
In response to the incident, Syrian authorities have pledged to increase surveillance and security at all cultural institutions across the country. The DGAM is reportedly compiling a comprehensive list of stolen items to share with Interpol and international museums to prevent illicit trade.
Experts say the latest theft underscores the urgent need for international collaboration to protect and recover stolen cultural heritage from war-torn regions.
Despite years of turmoil, Syria continues to fight for the preservation of its ancient legacy — a reminder that its rich cultural identity remains deeply intertwined with its national recovery.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The theft of Roman-era statues from Syria’s National Museum represents not just a loss of priceless artifacts but a painful blow to global heritage preservation. As Syria rebuilds after years of war and political transition, the protection of its cultural treasures remains an urgent priority.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder that while wars may end, the battle to protect history never does. The world must rally behind efforts to recover what was stolen — for Syria’s past belongs not only to its people but to all of humanity.