What Is Looting?
Looting refers to the illegal removal of artifacts and cultural objects from archaeological sites. These stolen items often end up on the black market, stripped of context and value for researchers and the public.
Beyond the loss of individual artifacts, looting destroys layers of historical information, making it impossible to understand how ancient societies lived, traded, and developed.
Consequences of Looting
Looted sites lose their scientific and cultural significance. Museums and collectors may acquire artifacts without knowing their provenance, while local communities are robbed of their heritage.
Looting also fuels organized crime and can contribute to the destruction of historical sites during conflict or illegal excavations.
