Antiquities

Iraq says 185 antiquities seized in Britain as clampdown on looted heritage widens

'The Iraqi cultural attache in London formally informed the ministry about the seizure of the 185 artifacts. Archaeological experts subsequently confirmed their Iraqi origin.'

Iraqi Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Fakak Al-Badrani, speaks during an interview with Reuters in Baghdad, Iraq
The stone fragment found.

First Assyrian inscription ever found in Jerusalem uncovered near western wall

British Museum launches £3.5 million bid to secure Henry VIII Tudor Heart pendant found by café owner.

British Museum launches £3.5 million bid to secure Henry VIII Tudor Heart pendant found by café own

A three-camera stereoscopic imaging kit is used to create accurate 3D models of underwater artifacts.

Sunken secrets: earliest iron-age cargoes in Israel’s Tantura lagoon


Testimony to Egyptian creation myth? New research in Luxor’s Karnak Temple

Findings indicate Karnak Temple's origins date to the Old Kingdom (2591–2152 BCE), showing the site's first permanent settlement occurred during this period.

Ancient ruins of the Karnak Temple complex in Luxor, Egypt - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Police find 12-meter underground shaft in Greece, arrest two in suspected antiquities plot

Police seized €18,380, $5,774, 6,500 lei, detectors and a device from a car. At the site they found lighting, ventilation, pumps and a hoist, and alerted antiquities officials due to its proximity.

The items found in the suspects’ possession.

Egypt sounds alarm after 3,000-year-old Amenemope bracelet reported missing

The incident comes weeks before the November 1 opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which will display the complete treasures of Tutankhamun for the first time.

The Exterior of The Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt.

Egypt discovers copper workshop, admin buildings, and observation points at Wadi al-Nasb

Excavations revealed architectural and industrial evidence confirming continuous Egyptian mining activity at Wadi al-Nasb from the Old Kingdom through the Late Period, officials said.

The newly uncovered site at Wadi al-Nasb.

Hieroglyphic stele with winged sun disk in Sharqia may reshape record of the Canopus Decree

The sandstone slab, uncovered in the temple complex at Tell Far'oun in Al-Husseiniyah, measures 127.5 by 83 by about 48 centimeters and carries 30 lines of hieroglyphs.

The found Canopus Decree.

Undercover officers pose as buyers in €200K deal, arresting 63-year-old abbot in Greek monastery

Hellenic Police say two undercover officers posed as buyers in a 3-month sting, leading to arrests of an assistant, a pawnbroker and his wife, and two intermediaries for antiquities trafficking.

The goods that were being trafficked.

New digital archive gives global access to Israel’s archaeological treasures

The Israel Antiquities Authority has launched a new database holding over three million historically significant records.

An intricately decorated 1,700-year-old ceramic oil lamp adorned with symbols linked to the Jewish Temple and discovered on Jerusalem's Mount of Olives, displayed in Jerusalem on Dec. 26, 2024

‘Good fortunes’: 1,600-year-old Samaritan estate with mosaics unearthed in Kafr Qasim, Israel

Archaeologists uncover a vast Byzantine-era agricultural villa with intricate mosaics, oil press, and ritual bath in central Israel.

Eye-catching mosaics illustrate the Samaritan community’s wealth and prosperity.

Egyptian doctor's elaborate smuggling scheme unraveled at JFK airport

Ashraf Omar El-Darir sentenced to six months in jail for smuggling 600+ antiquities worth $82,000, including golden amulets and Roman artifacts dating to 1900 BCE.

Some of the artefacts smuggled.

1 of 20 found: Extremely rare 2,200-year-old gold coin found in Jerusalem

A rare gold coin of the Egyptian Queen Berenice II, dating back approximately 2,200 years, was discovered during archaeological excavations in the City of David.

1 of 20 found: Extremely rare 2,200-year-old gold coin found in Jerusalem.

2,000-year-old Greek artifact seized in Jerusalem antique shop raid

A lead weight from 147 BCE—marked by a powerful market official—may tie to a major political dynasty in Edom’s ancient capital.

The weight of one Mina, equivalent to 100 Greek drachmas.