DAMASCUS, Syria — In a shocking incident, thieves have stolen several ancient gold ingots from Syria’s National Museum in Damascus, security sources and museum officials confirmed Tuesday. The heist marks a rare breach at the institution, which had largely been spared during Syria’s decade-long civil war.

Details of the Robbery

The robbery occurred overnight from Sunday to Monday, targeting the museum’s classical wing, one of its most treasured sections. This area houses artefacts dating back to the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods, making the theft a significant blow to Syria’s cultural heritage.

A source close to the museum’s management confirmed that six gold items were taken, though their exact age, historical provenance, and monetary value have not been disclosed. A separate security source corroborated the details of the heist.

Following the theft, several museum employees and guards were reportedly detained and interrogated by authorities before being released. Museum officials have restricted staff access to exhibition halls, and the institution remains closed for security reasons.

Museum Background and Historical Significance

Syria’s National Museum, located in the heart of Damascus, houses tens of thousands of artefacts spanning Syria’s extensive history—from prehistoric tools to Greco-Roman sculptures and Islamic art. During the civil war, many artefacts from other regions of Syria were relocated to the museum for safekeeping.

Despite the conflict from 2011 to late 2024, which saw archaeological sites bombed and museums looted, the Damascus National Museum largely survived intact. The institution briefly closed to prevent looting in the months leading up to Bashar al-Assad’s removal from power last December and reopened in January 2025.

Widespread Looting During the Syrian Civil War

The civil war in Syria unleashed a wave of looting and illicit antiquities trafficking. Archaeological sites were destroyed, private collections stolen, and artefacts smuggled into international black markets, generating millions of dollars for traffickers. This latest robbery underscores ongoing security vulnerabilities at Syria’s cultural institutions.

A museum official declined to comment directly on the theft, stating only that the institution “is closed for security reasons and will reopen next week.” AFP journalists visiting the museum observed it closed on Tuesday, with no outward signs of damage.

The theft of ancient gold from Syria’s National Museum is likely to trigger renewed calls for enhanced security measures and international cooperation to protect the country’s invaluable cultural heritage.