Looting of ancient Egyptian treasures by organized syndicates and enterprising villagers has been occurring at a frantic pace since the first days of the nation’s uprising in 2011. More than 50 artifacts were stolen from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo at the height of the uprising, including items dating back to the time of the pharaohs.

Across a nation lax in security, more than 1,000 treasures were stolen from the Malawi National Museum in Minya last summer. Thieves took off with jewels of the pharaohs and painted sarcophagi that were part of a priceless trove, leaving burned mummies to underscore the crime.

International New York Times–The Editorial Board