Egyptian Museum Employee Stole 3,000-Year-Old Pharaoh’s Bracelet, Melted It Down For Gold

A restoration specialist at Cairo’s Egyptian Museum allegedly stole a 3,000-year-old bracelet belonging to King Amenemope on September 9th. The specialist reportedly contacted a silver jeweler, who sold the ancient artifact to a gold jeweler for $3,735. The gold jeweler then sold it for $4,025 to a foundry worker who melted it down with other pieces. All four individuals confessed after being arrested, the ministry stated. King Amenemope ruled Egypt from 1001–992 B.C. during the Third Intermediate Period of the 21st Dynasty. The ministry had circulated images of the bracelet to “antiquities units across all Egyptian airports, seaports, and land border crossings nationwide” to prevent smuggling. Officials delayed public notification to “ensure the progress of the investigation.” (Story URL)