Six Ancient Roman-Era Statues Stolen from Damascus National Museum Amid Post-War Instability. Thieves have broken into the National Museum in Damascus, Syria’s capital, and stolen several ancient marble statues dating back to the Roman era, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The theft was discovered early Monday, prompting authorities to temporarily close the museum. The National Museum of Damascus, the country’s largest and most prestigious cultural institution, had only reopened in January — one year after the fall of the Assad family’s 54-year rule and amid Syria’s ongoing recovery from a devastating 14-year civil war. According to Syria’s Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums, six statues were taken from the classical department. An investigation is currently underway. Another official revealed that the break-in likely occurred late Sunday night, with the thieves breaking through one of the department’s doors. Both officials spoke anonymously because the government has not yet issued an official statement. When an Associated Press journalist visited the museum on Tuesday, security personnel confirmed it was closed but declined to comment further. Maamoun Abdulkarim, former head of Syria’s antiquities department, described the targeted section as “a beautiful and historically rich department filled with Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine artifacts.” The museum had reopened on January 8 — a month after rebel forces ousted President Bashar Assad — symbolizing a new chapter for Syria’s cultural institutions. However, fears of looting and instability persist as the country continues to rebuild and protect its vast archaeological heritage.
