Ancient Pharaoh’s Gold Bracelet Stolen from Cairo Museum

Ancient Pharaoh’s Gold Bracelet Stolen from Cairo Museum

The recent theft of a 3,000-year-old gold bracelet from the Egyptian Museum’s restoration laboratory in Cairo has sparked an urgent investigation by Egyptian officials. The artifact, which belonged to Pharaoh Usermaatre Amenemope, who ruled during the Third Intermediate Period (between 993 and 984 B.C.), was taken from the museum’s restoration lab, raising concerns about the security of Egypt’s invaluable cultural heritage. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the theft on September 17, citing delays in disclosure to ensure the progress of the investigation.

The stolen bracelet, made of gold and adorned with lapis lazuli beads, is a rare and valuable piece of Egypt’s ancient history. Officials have circulated images of the artifact to customs and border control authorities across the country, aiming to prevent its illegal export. The Egyptian Museum, one of the world’s largest collections of Egypt’s antiquities, houses over 120,000 artifacts. The theft highlights the vulnerability of such a globally significant institution, which attracts millions of visitors annually.

In an effort to recover the stolen item, a specialized committee has been formed to conduct a thorough inventory of all artifacts in the restoration laboratory. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has also referred the case to the police and the Public Prosecution for further legal action. The delay in announcing the theft was deemed necessary to provide the appropriate environment for the investigation, according to the ministry’s statement.

The incident occurs amid ongoing efforts by the Egyptian government to boost tourism. The country’s government recently announced plans to build a mega-resort at Mount Sinai, the site where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Despite the ongoing challenges of securing ancient artifacts, Egypt continues to be a major tourist destination, with millions of visitors arriving each year. The theft of the bracelet has also drawn attention to the importance of protecting and preserving Egypt’s rich historical and cultural legacy for future generations.