: Even the earliest Predynastic tombs were plundered for their treasures.
Tomb robbing is as old as the pyramids themselves. In Ancient Egypt, burial was not just a farewell; it was a transition to the afterlife, requiring the deceased to be surrounded by their worldly possessions. This concentrated wealth acted as a magnetic pull for thieves, often within hours of interment. Short History of Tomb-Raiding: The Epic Hunt fo...
: In the 9th century, Arab ruler Ibn Tulun established guilds of "seekers" ( mutalibun ) who were actually taxed on their finds. : Even the earliest Predynastic tombs were plundered
By the medieval and early modern periods, tomb raiding became more systematic. This concentrated wealth acted as a magnetic pull
: In the early 19th century, figures like Giovanni Battista Belzoni—a former circus strongman—became famous for moving massive artifacts, such as the bust of Ramesses II , from Egypt to European museums. 3. The Modern Era: From Curiosity to Conservation