Dutch authorities arrested three suspects following the theft of a priceless ancient golden helmet, a significant cultural artifact of Romania. The helmet, which dates back approximately 2,500 years, was on exhibit at a small museum in the Netherlands. Unfortunately, there has been no indication of the helmet’s recovery thus far.
The brazen theft of the helmet and three golden wristbands, all part of the museum’s display, reverberated throughout the art community. The incident deeply saddened Romanian authorities, who had entrusted the precious items to a nation known for its commitment to museum security.
Dutch police said in a statement that the suspects were being interrogated and “more arrests are not excluded.” They did not elaborate.
This undated image provided by the Drents Museum shows the golden Cotofenesti helmet. (Drents Museum via AP)
It gave a glimmer of hope to the Drents Museum, which has come under criticism, especially from Romania, for not applying sufficient security.
The museum expressed eagerness for updates on the situation, emphasizing the importance of the helmet’s safe return. Preserving the artifact undamaged is crucial not only to the museum but also to the people of Romania, who hold it in high regard.
The Cotofenesti helmet is one Romania’s most revered national treasures from the Dacia civilization. It was on display on the final weekend of a six-month stint when it was stolen.
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis called the artifacts of “exceptional cultural and historical importance” for Romanian heritage and identity, and that their disappearance had “a strong emotional and symbolic impact on society.”
It was a heist that “even in our most pessimistic dreams, we would not have believed possible,” said the director of Romania’s National History Museum, Ernest Oberlander-Tarnoveanu.
The helmet’s fame and dramatic studded appearance mean it could never easily be sold, raising fears the thieves were after the gold itself. But melting it would reduce the treasure’s cultural and historical value. Gold stands at about 85,000 euros ($89,000) per kilo, and the helmet is estimated to weigh slightly less than that.
