Ancient gold bracelet disappears from Cairo museum

A priceless gold bracelet, believed to be about 3,000 years old, has disappeared from the Cairo Museum's restoration lab at Tahrir Square, which has long been involved in transferring artifacts to the new Egyptian Museum in Giza, CE Report quotes ANSA.

According to the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the bracelet, a simple circle with a lapis lazuli bead, belonged to King Amenemope of the Third Intermediate Period (1076-723 BC).

The disappearance has been reported to authorities and an investigation is underway. As a precaution, an image of the missing bracelet has been shared across all airports, ports, and land border crossings in Egypt to prevent smuggling attempts.

The Egyptian Ministry stated that some photos circulating online did not depict the missing item, but another bracelet currently displayed at the museum. Additionally, all other items in the restoration lab will be cataloged and analyzed by a specialized committee.

Illegal trade of Egyptian antiquities remains a serious concern, with authorities recently arresting two men attempting to steal ancient artifacts from the sea bed near Alexandria.