Ancient Egyptian bracelet vanishes from Cairo museum ahead of Rome exhibition
Egyptian authorities have launched a nationwide search for a priceless 3,000-year-old gold bracelet that disappeared from Cairo’s Egyptian Museum restoration laboratory.
The missing artifact, featuring intricate lapis lazuli beads, belonged to Pharaoh Amenemope of the 21st Dynasty (993-984 BC).
Its disappearance was discovered during preparations to ship dozens of antiquities to Rome for an upcoming exhibition.
The Antiquities Ministry has implemented emergency protocols, distributing the bracelet’s image to all border crossings, airports, and seaports to prevent potential smuggling.
Police investigations are underway, though officials have not disclosed when the piece was last documented.
“Immediate measures” were taken following the discovery, with a specialized committee now conducting a comprehensive inventory of all laboratory artifacts. The ministry deliberately delayed public announcement to protect the investigation’s integrity.
This theft strikes at the heart of Egypt’s cultural heritage, occurring at the world’s oldest archaeological museum housing over 170,000 artifacts.
The timing is particularly sensitive, coming just six weeks before the Grand Egyptian Museum’s opening in Giza, where Tutankhamun’s treasures will be showcased.
The incident highlights ongoing security challenges facing Egypt’s invaluable archaeological collections as the country prepares to display its ancient treasures to international audiences.
