By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In a recent operation, Egyptian authorities apprehended two individuals attempting to illicitly traffic nearly 450 ancient artifacts recovered from the seabed of Abu Qir Bay near Alexandria. The recovered items, dating from Greek and Roman Antiquity (circa 500 BCE – 400 CE), included coins, statues, tools, and weaponry. The suspects admitted to diving to obtain the antiquities for illegal sale. Seized artifacts, showcasing intricate detail and depictions of people and animals, are currently in the possession of Egyptian authorities.
Read the original article here
Two individuals were recently arrested in Egypt after an attempted theft of hundreds of ancient artifacts from the seabed of Abu Qir Bay. The sheer number of items—reportedly 53 statues, 41 axes, and 14 bronze cups—immediately raises questions. The initial reports described the artifacts as dating back to Greek and Roman antiquity, a timeframe spanning roughly 900 years.
The unusual uniformity of the artifacts is striking. Many commenters pointed out the near-identical nature of numerous pieces, including multiple miniature versions of famous statues like the Venus de Milo. This repetitive nature is highly suspicious, given the inherent variability expected in genuine ancient artifacts recovered from a scattered underwater site. The seemingly pristine condition of the objects, with an identical copper “corrosion” across all items, further fuels skepticism about their authenticity and origin.
The idea that these artifacts spent centuries submerged in seawater seems highly unlikely. The condition of the recovered items is far too perfect. Photos of actual artifacts retrieved from shipwrecks usually show significant damage and signs of marine growth, unlike the remarkably well-preserved pieces in this case. This discrepancy suggests a potential scenario where the artifacts are not ancient at all, but rather modern replicas artificially aged for fraudulent purposes.
The suggestion that the artifacts are modern counterfeits, perhaps even mass-produced, is compelling. The scale and uniformity of the collection point to a deliberate manufacturing process, rather than a random collection of items lost at sea over a significant period. One hypothesis suggests the perpetrators purchased cheap replicas online, then submerged them in the ocean to create the illusion of age and authenticity before attempting to sell them as genuine shipwreck treasure.
The reported location of the artifacts—the seabed of Abu Qir Bay—is significant. This location is within Egyptian territorial waters, meaning the Egyptian government has jurisdiction over any artifacts found there. However, the question of ownership becomes more complex when considering the historical context. Many of the items are apparently of Greek origin, from a period when Egypt was under Greek rule. This historical entanglement, however, doesn’t supersede modern-day jurisdictional claims; the artifacts’ location within Egyptian waters solidifies their ownership by Egypt.
The potential implications of this incident extend beyond a simple case of theft. The brazen attempt to pass off modern counterfeits as genuine antiquities highlights a significant challenge in the art market: the fight against the proliferation of forgeries. This incident underscores the importance of stringent authentication processes and international cooperation to combat the lucrative trade in fake artifacts.
The individuals involved face serious legal consequences. Regardless of the artifacts’ actual age or origin, the act of illegally removing artifacts from the seabed constitutes looting and theft under Egyptian law. It’s a crime that carries significant penalties, reflecting Egypt’s efforts to protect its rich cultural heritage. Moreover, if proven that the artifacts were knowingly counterfeit, additional fraud charges could be levied. The incident also highlights Egypt’s ongoing struggle with looting and the illegal excavation of antiquities. The country has implemented strict laws to protect its historical sites and artifacts, yet incidents like this demonstrate the constant vigilance required.
The entire episode unfolds like a bizarre blend of historical fiction and modern-day criminality. The tale of underwater treasure and ancient artifacts is captivating, but the reality of mass-produced replicas and a fraudulent scheme is less romantic. This event serves as a reminder that the allure of ancient history can attract not only legitimate scholars and enthusiasts, but also those seeking to profit through deceit. The Egyptian authorities’ swift response underscores their determination to safeguard the nation’s heritage, no matter how unusual the methods of the would-be thieves.