In a brazen heist off the coast of Egypt, two thieves dressed in diving gear plundered hundreds of ancient Greek and Roman artifacts from the seafloor, near Alexandria, in the Mediterranean’s Abu Qir Bay.
The stolen items, which include precious coins, statues, and tools, date back between 2,500 and 1,600 years, according to Egypt’s Interior Ministry.
The authorities revealed that the men—one of whom has a criminal history—spent hours scouring the underwater site, where they managed to remove a staggering 448 relics. Among the treasures seized were 305 coins, 53 statues, 41 axes, 20 bronze objects, 14 bronze cups, 12 spears, and three statue heads.
The coins, meticulously carved with images of turtles, whales, elephants, and what appears to be a crossbow, reflect the artistic skill of the time. Many of the plundered artifacts have taken on a striking turquoise hue, a result of centuries of exposure to the sea’s saltwater.
The thieves confessed that their goal was to sell the stolen artifacts on the black market. Egyptian authorities have since launched a full investigation, and the men have been arrested. The stolen items are believed to be of significant historical value, shedding light on the ancient Greek and Roman presence in the region.
(Source: New York Post)
