Renowned Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass stated on Sunday that the theft of 2,000 artifacts from the British Museum is not only a crime against Egypt but against global heritage and civilization as a whole. He criticized the mismanagement and inadequate security within the British Museum, allowing thieves to steal thousands of valuable archaeological pieces, an unprecedented event in the history of museums worldwide.
Hawass’s remarks came in response to admissions made by the British Museum’s Director, George Osborne, regarding the theft of 2,000 artifacts, including precious gold jewelry and gemstones dating back to the 15th century BC. Hawass emphasized that the theft of such a vast quantity of antiquities indicates that the British Museum cannot be trusted to safeguard these artifacts. He called for the return of the “Rosetta Stone,” housed in the British Museum, as it is also at risk of theft.
Zahi Hawass revealed that he has prepared a document signed by 200,000 Egyptian and international individuals, all demanding the repatriation of the “Rosetta Stone” to Egypt.
He believes that the British Museum’s security lapses have created an opportunity to pursue this goal. He called for an urgent meeting among countries with cultural artifacts stolen by the British Museum to collectively request UNESCO’s intervention in returning these treasures to their respective nations before they are lost through theft entirely.
The former Egyptian Minister of Antiquities, Zahi Hawass, also highlighted that the Ministry of Antiquities in Egypt is currently examining measures to protect and repatriate Egyptian artifacts from abroad. He stressed that the theft of 2,000 archaeological pieces reveals a significant and serious deficiency that necessitates international action, including imposing severe sanctions on the British Museum and repatriating the remaining artifacts to their countries of origin for preservation.
The historical significance of the “Rosetta Stone” lies in its role as the key to deciphering the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic language.
This stone was instrumental in deciphering inscriptions and ancient writings, aiding in the understanding of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. It was discovered by a French officer in the city of Rosetta in 1799 and subsequently seized by the British, who transported it to the British Museum in London, where it remains to this day.
