Golden Artifacts Stolen in FYROM

Gold earrings from Hellenic era. Credit: Balkan Insight Over 80 golden artifacts are presumed stolen from the museum depot in Skopje, the capital of FYROM, the Reformed Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Many of the items were golden earrings dating back from the Hellenic era. They were discovered in digs between 2009 and 2010.

Several archaeologists (illegal excavators) working as employees of the culture ministry, have been charged with helping to determine the price of the artifacts and find buyers abroad.

FYROM's former chief excavator, Pasko Kuzman, was arrested in July for misuse of office, leading to speculation of his involvement in the theft.

And so the "Indiana Jones-esque" intrigue continues.

Extra tidbit: Though the country’s residents call themselves the “Republic of Macedonia,” its neighbor, Greece, is outraged. It has threatened economic blockades, fearing the use of the name “Macedonia,” might provide claim to ancient Macedonian lands that reside well within Greece.

For more on the lost treasure, click HERE.

For more on FYROM, click HERE.