Priceless Roman treasures taken in British Museum raid
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.ROMAN treasures have been stolen from two display-cases in a raid at the British Museum in London.
As detectives and forensic scientists sifted through broken glass yesterday, museum staff assessed the loss. The items stolen, all late Roman Imperial material dating between the second and fourth centuries AD, include eight engraved or carved semi- precious stones, a ring and a necklace, all bearing Imperial portraits.
A number of silver coins were also taken. Frances Dunkels, a spokeswoman for the museum, said that the specific number of coins would not be known until staff had picked through the wreckage.
The theft took place between 11pm on Thursday and 2am yesterday. Police were unable to say how many people were involved in the robbery, or how they beat the alarms' sensors.
The museum boasts one of the world's most comprehensive collections of Classical antiquities. Andrew Hamilton, a spokesman, said: 'The stolen items were all one-offs and sadly can never be replaced. The jewellery dates from the second century and would have been worn by wealthy patrician Roman women. If the items were melted down their bullion value would be minimal, but these are very traceable items.'
They were taken from the Rome, City and Empire gallery, one of the upper galleries. There is a strong possibility that, like many stolen antiquities, the items will be shipped abroad.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments