Jan Bartek – AncientPages.com – Stealing ancient artifacts has become a common crime these days and authorities are doing all they can to retrieve antiques that are often smuggled in the most unusual way.
This time Israel Antiquities Authority reports the discovery of thousands of rare and spectacular artifacts that were stolen from graves in the Mediterranean Basin, Africa, and South America.
One of many artifacts recovered in raids on a suspected smuggling ring, January 4, 2020. Credit: Yoli Schwarz/Israel Antiquities Authority
A smuggling network suspected of illegally trafficking was caught in a joint operation with the police and the tax authority. It’s not yet known exactly how many, but authorities say several suspects have been detained for questioning.
“Among the items seized in the raids were ancient coins, gemstones inlaid in jewelry, parts of statues, painted pottery, and figures of deities from the Roman era, which the IAA said were around 2,000 years old.
Credit: Yoli Schwarz/Israel Antiquities Authority
It also recovered vessels used for worship, parts of sculptures, and other items from the 5th century BCE.
The head of the IAA’s antiquities robbery prevention unit hailed the operation as “one of the most significant” in its history,” the Times of Israel reports.
Credit: Yoli Schwarz/Israel Antiquities Authority
Credit: Yoli Schwarz/Israel Antiquities Authority
“Any archeological finding that is detached from its archeological context [that is] in the hands of antiquities robbers and sold for lucre, in effect products a black hole in history and it is this we’re working to prevent,” Amir Ganor was quoted as saying in a statement.
See also: Illegal Journey Of 2,000 Historic Artifacts Hidden In Truck Under The Guise Of Parquet
The next step will now be to determine the “ origin of the items and if any were stolen from sites in Israel or the Mediterranean Basin, stressing that it will work with Interpol and other international law enforcement bodies.”
Written by Jan Bartek – AncientPages.com Staff Writer
