A 4,000-year-old limestone painting was stolen from the tomb of Khentika at the Saqqara necropolis in Egypt. The theft, which is believed to have occurred between 2018 and 2019, was reported in May 2025. Egyptian authorities, in collaboration with Interpol and international auction houses, are currently investigating the incident.
Story Highlights
- An ancient painting was stolen from the tomb of Khentika at Saqqara.
- The theft occurred between 2018 and 2019 but was discovered in 2025.
- Interpol and international auction houses are involved in the recovery effort.
- The incident highlights concerns regarding the protection of Egypt’s cultural heritage.
The stolen painting depicted the ancient Egyptian calendar system, illustrating the three seasons aligned with the Nile’s cycles: Akhet, Peret, and Shomu. Its removal involved cutting it from the tomb wall, a method described by experts as “bold and unprecedented.”
🚨BREAKING: 4,300 year old ancient Egyptian painting has VANISHED from a locked tomb at the Saqqara Necropolis in Egypt
Note: the black market for ancient antiquities is a BILLION $ a year industry 🤯
Who all had access to the keys of this locked door, and what should their… pic.twitter.com/1i5vIhxBMa
— Jimmy Corsetti (@BrightInsight6) October 7, 2025
Five months after the theft was reported, Egyptian authorities have not identified any suspects. The Supreme Council of Antiquities is working with prosecutors and law enforcement to collect evidence and identify witnesses, a process complicated by the time lapse between the theft and its discovery.
Interpol’s involvement in the search reflects the international nature of such crimes, as stolen Egyptian artifacts frequently appear in foreign auction houses and private collections. This collaboration aims to prevent the painting from entering the legitimate art market.
This incident follows other archaeological thefts in Egypt, including the recent melting of Pharaoh Amenemope’s 3,000-year-old gold bracelet. These occurrences have prompted a reassessment of security protocols at Saqqara and other major archaeological sites, raising concerns about the preservation of Egypt’s cultural heritage.
Sources:
Egyptian officials scramble to recover ancient painting stolen from ‘cursed’ tomb amid recent thefts
Ancient Egyptian painting stolen from tomb at Saqqara necropolis | The National
