Riyadh Hosts GCC Society for History, Archaeology Forum

The 23rd GCC Society for History and Archaeology forum launches in Riyadh - SPA
The 23rd GCC Society for History and Archaeology forum launches in Riyadh - SPA
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Riyadh Hosts GCC Society for History, Archaeology Forum

The 23rd GCC Society for History and Archaeology forum launches in Riyadh - SPA
The 23rd GCC Society for History and Archaeology forum launches in Riyadh - SPA

The 23rd GCC Society for History and Archaeology forum, organized by the Heritage Commission in cooperation with King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) was launched in Riyadh. It will run for two days and involve 300 researchers in history and archaeology, SPA reported.
Darah CEO Turki Al-Shuwaier stressed in his opening speech that the forum is a vivid example of how interdisciplinary sciences can equip individuals to think critically, serve their communities, and contribute to human progress.
Heritage Commission CEO Dr. Jasir Al-Harbash commended the society's efforts in serving history and antiquities enthusiasts in the GCC region. He highlighted the successes of the Heritage Commission in Saudi Arabia, particularly the registration of the Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area and At-Turaif District in Diriyah on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The forum aims to foster scientific advancement in the society's field of expertise and empower members to contribute to scientific research. It showcases the contributions of GCC citizens in archaeology, heritage, and history and facilitates cultural exchange to promote scientific production in these areas.



Egypt Recovers 3 Ancient Artifacts Found in the Netherlands

This picture shows a partial view of Cairo on August 25, 2024. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP)
This picture shows a partial view of Cairo on August 25, 2024. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP)
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Egypt Recovers 3 Ancient Artifacts Found in the Netherlands

This picture shows a partial view of Cairo on August 25, 2024. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP)
This picture shows a partial view of Cairo on August 25, 2024. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP)

Egypt recovered three ancient artifacts that were smuggled out of the country and found in the Netherlands, where two of the items were for sale in an antiques shop, Egyptian officials said Tuesday.
The items retrieved include a mummified head from the Hellenistic period, a ceramic funerary figurine dating to Egypt’s New Kingdom era (664-332 B.C.), and part of a wooden tomb bearing an inscription of the goddess Isis from 663-504 B.C., the Egyptian embassy in The Hague said in a statement. The head was found in good condition, showing remnants of teeth and hair, The Associated Press reported.
Dutch police and the cultural heritage inspection unit retrieved the figurines and parts of the tomb after determining that they were smuggled out of Egypt. A Dutch individual handed over the mummified head, which he had inherited from a family member, to local authorities.
The three artifacts are believed to have been stolen and smuggled after they were discovered through illegal excavation, according to Egyptian authorities. No details were provided about when those items were believed to have been unearthed and smuggled.
Repatriation from the Netherlands is part of Egypt’s wider push to stop trafficking of stolen antiquities. More than 30,000 artifacts have been recovered since 2014.
Last year, an ancient wooden sarcophagus that was featured at the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences was returned to Egypt after US authorities determined it was smuggled years ago.