A 2,500-year-old gold collar from the Vix Treasure was stolen in broad daylight from a French museum in Châtillon-sur-Seine, Burgundy. The theft has raised concerns about museum security and the vulnerability of ancient artifacts.
The torque, known for its Celtic design featuring lion paws and winged horses, was taken from the Musée du Pays Châtillonnais – Trésor de Vix around 10:30 a.m. on July 24. The thieves entered by paying admission, smashed the display case, and fled through the main entrance.
The museum has faced two previous failed nighttime burglary attempts in the past eight months. As a result of these incidents, new security measures were installed, including CCTV, motion detectors, and door sensors, at an estimated cost of €150,000. However, despite these upgrades, the thieves demonstrated remarkable organization and speed.
The Vix Treasure, which includes the torque, was discovered in 1953 near Châtillon-sur-Seine. The torque is described as a symbol of power, featuring iconography that blends Greek and Celtic influences. Its theft has been characterized as an attack on cultural heritage and public interest by the museum authorities.
The brazen nature of this theft echoes similar incidents at other French museums, such as the $102 million jewel heist from the Louvre in Paris, which also took place during daylight hours. The museum’s president resigned following that incident, leading to increased scrutiny and investment in security improvements across France.
