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
Saudi Arabia seeks to entice visitors with pre-Islamic sites Following last year's $20 billion French-Saudi deal to accelerate al-Ula’s development, there are more international archaeologists on the ground than ever before. Saudi Arabia
Can part of Palmyra's lost heritage be saved? A number of different projects are underway to rectify the damage to Palmyra's heritage wrought by the Islamic State. Syria
Can Museum of Raqqa's glory be restored? The Raqqa Civil Council and a local organization have begun restoring the Museum of Raqqa, but it is unclear whether it can reassemble the treasures removed from it during the occupations by Islamic State and the Free Syrian Army. Syria
Iraqi artist preserves Iraqi heritage in 3D exhibition An Iraqi engineer leads his own mission to preserve Iraq's heritage in 3D reconstructions. Iraq
Roman-era mosaics home at last in Turkey's Zeugma Turkey has welcomed back 12 fragments of mosaics illegally excavated and exported decades ago to the United States and they are now on exhibit at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep. Turkey
Sotheby’s auctions off ancient Egyptian artifacts The ethics of private collections and ancient works of art sold at auction has long been a source of controversy, and Sotheby’s latest offerings in London are no different. Egypt
Turkey caps off Year of Troy with new museum As Turkey celebrates the 20th anniversary of Troy's inclusion in the Unesco World Heritage List, a new museum brings its 4,000 years of history and legends to life. Turkey
2018 'year of archaeological discoveries' for Egypt The Egyptian government has delivered on its promise that the year 2018 would be filled with notable archaeological discoveries in Egypt. Now the government has to find a way to boost tourism based on these archaeological treasures. Egypt
British Museum returns Iraq's looted antiquities In a rare move, the British Museum returned eight antiquities, which had been looted from Iraq in 2003, to the country. The objects will be placed at the Iraq Museum. Iraq
Cave restaurant becomes latest attraction in Jordan’s mosaic city The Jordanian city of Madaba is internationally known for its Byzantine church mosaics, but its latest attraction takes visitors underground. Jordan
Advancing technology unearths 'lost city of ancient Israel' A military zone has long inhibited exploration of the ancient and massive site of Beit Lehi, but archaeologists are using technology to share its secrets with the world. Israel
UNESCO recognizes ancient Stone Age temple in Turkey Southeastern Turkey's epic ruins of Gobeklitepe, possibly the world's first temple, has finally made it to UNESCO'S World Heritage List. Turkey
