Egypt, Greece pledge to protect Mount Sinai monastery after court ruling: What to know Greece and Egypt have launched a diplomatic effort to reaffirm the status of Saint Catherine’s Monastery, one of the most revered monasteries in Christianity. Egypt
Khartoum accuses RSF of looting and destroying Sudan's heritage: What to know The Sudanese government accused the Rapid Support Forces of looting and destroying cultural heritage sites, including the Sudan National Museum, during their occupation of Khartoum, calling the actions war crimes and pledging to work with UNESCO and Interpol to recover stolen artifacts. Sudan
Egypt celebrates first royal tomb discovery since 1922: What we know The 3,500-year-old tomb belongs to King Thutmose II, who ruled Egypt during its 18th dynasty. Egypt
In search for Cleopatra's tomb, Egypt claims new discoveries A team led by Kathleen Martinez, who has worked for two decades in hopes of finding Cleopatra’s tomb, has unearthed new discoveries in an ancient city near Alexandria. Egypt
Iraq recovers over 6,000 stolen historical artifacts, government says An Iraqi official says the Iraqi government’s efforts to get back historical artifacts smuggled out of the country were focused on Mosul, which was overrun by ISIS in 2014. Iraq
One year after earthquake, Turkey's ancient Antioch still devastated Scars of the quake that killed 53,000 people and displaced millions run deep, and the road to restoration is fraught with political bickering. Turkey
Despite regional tension, Egypt's Grand Museum readies to open The partially opened Grand Egyptian Museum is enticing visitors with the treasures of Tutankhamun, the “Golden King,” as work continues to complete the complex. Egypt
Iraq unveils ancient Assyrian lamassu statue in Nineveh province The Iraqi government has worked to repatriate smuggled artifacts in recent years. The city of Khorsabad, where the lamassu is located, was one of several ancient sites targeted by the Islamic State. Iraq
Turkey’s new UNESCO sites: City of King Midas, wooden mosques Among the sites awarded the “world heritage” designation is the ancient city of Gordion, which was once ruled by Midas — the king with the golden touch. Turkey
In a first, Israeli minister arrives in Saudi Arabia as envoy visits West Bank Tourism Minister Haim Katz is the first Israeli minister to lead a delegation for an official United Nations event in Saudi Arabia. Israel
Will Egypt back off from the demolition of Cairo's historic Islamic cemeteries? Egypt’s government has been demolishing ancient tombs for three years as part of a controversial project that tore apart a renowned cemetery in Cairo, even as researchers and activists fight to stop the destruction. Egypt
Turkey recovers 1,100-year-old Hebrew Bible in smuggling raids The 28-page leather-bound collection of papyrus scripture was seized during Turkey's latest smuggling crackdown in Istanbul. Turkey
Egypt archaeologists refute Ramses II-Exodus connection The display of the sarcophagus of Ramses II at an exhibition organized by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism in Paris has revived the debate of whether the Exodus occurred during the era of the king. Egypt
UNESCO lists two locations in Lebanon, Yemen as heritage sites in danger In an urgent session on Wednesday, UNESCO named two sites from Lebanon and Yemen to its List of World Heritage in Danger, calling for their immediate preservation. Lebanon
US repatriates 2,700-year-old artifact to Palestine The United States repatriates a stolen artifact to Palestine — a historic move between the two countries. Palestine
