Looted Scythian Gold from Melitopol Museum

Golden Scythian Quiver Case, 4th century BCE

Among the most significant cultural crimes committed during the Russian occupation of Melitopol in 2022 was the theft of a priceless collection of Scythian gold, including a rare golden quiver case dating back to the 4th century BCE. These artifacts had been safeguarded in the Melitopol Museum of Local History, representing the rich nomadic heritage of the northern Black Sea region.

The golden objects—crafted with intricate detail and zoomorphic designs—are key archaeological testimonies to Scythian metalworking, trade, and elite burial practices. Their removal constitutes a severe violation of the 1954 Hague Convention on the protection of cultural property in armed conflict.