Stealing History: Tomb Raiders, Smugglers, and the Looting of the Ancient World

by Roger Atwood

Roger Atwood knows more about the market for ancient objects than almost anyone. He knows where priceless antiquities are buried, who is digging them up, and who is fencing and buying them. In this fascinating book, Atwood takes readers on a journey through Iraq, Peru, Hong Kong, and across America, showing how the worldwide antiquities trade is destroying what's left of the ancient sites before archaeologists can reach them, and thus erasing their historical significance. And it is getting worse. The discovery of the legendary Royal Tombs of Sipan in Peru started an epidemic. Grave robbers scouring the courntryside for tombs--and finding them. Atwood recounts the incredible story of the biggest piece of gold ever found in the Americas, a 2,000-year-old, three-pound masterpiece that cost one looter his life, sent two smugglers to jail, and wrecked lives from Panama to Pennsylvainia. Packed with true stories, this book not only reveals what has been found, but at what cost to both human life and history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Archaeology, Art, Crime, Anthropology, Science

337 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Siobhan Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was solidly fine. Inherently, there was nothing wrong with it, other than being a bit dated, but for a book that was published in 2004, even that wasn't too bad.

What I really didn't like though was how hyper-focused it was on Peru. I went into this book hoping to get a glimpse of looting around the world. What I got was a very brief account of looting in Iraq in the early 2000s, followed by 200 pages about Peru. I don't have anything against Peru, but if I'd known that this was a book specifically about the looting of ancient artifacts in Peru, with a couple mentions of other sites thrown in here and there, I wouldn't have picked it up.

If you're deeply into the history of looting in Peru, or the relationship between Peru, the United States and their museums, this might be of interest to you. If you're looking for the history of tomb raiding and how it has impacted our world, this isn't what you're looking for.

[David Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stealing History: Tomb Raiders, Smugglers, and the Looting of the Ancient World by Roger Atwood (St. Martin's Press 2004) (364.162) is a wannabe archaeologists' dream. The book highlights the divide between private collectors (and the worldwide tomb looting that feeds the collectors' supply) and professional archaeologists (whose authorized tomb looting at least attempts to provide the historical context from which the objects are removed) and the role of museums in accepting and displaying objects that are offered to the museums with and without provenance. This book reads at times like an adventure thriller. It focuses on a specific horde of ceremonial objects removed from the Sipan region of Peru, some of which were removed by grave robbers and some by academic archaeologists and the objects' eventual placements. My rating: 7.5/10, finished 3/5/12.

[John Gaudet · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the area of antiquity theft this book is a tour de force, a fast-paced revelation of the dark side of the modern world of antiques. Stealing antiquities in Iraq under battleground conditions, stealing them at night with tomb robbers in Peru, stealing them by lobbying in the US capitol, and stealing them by international, high stakes illicit, money-laundering operations funded by organized crime, you name it, the sky's the limit for Atwood. The most rewarding part of this book is in the last few chapters where Atwood advances solutions. They necessarily deal with legal language, model legislation and proposals for change and they are ambitious and pitched at the global level, but they are bound to put a dent in a great deal of the illegal action. In his book Atwood shows how museums will have to change their ways, dealers will have to give up part of a lucrative business, and governments will have to enact legislation without succumbing to pressure from the antiquities lobbies, and "...unless changes come, the current system will deprive everyone whoever will live of part of the collective memory that makes us human."

One drawback of his book is that it concentrates on Peru, though he includes a great section on repatriation of the Parthenon marbles. In the process of researching that subject, he elicited a statement in an interview with the director of the British Museum that puts the Museum's position in a nutshell, in that the marbles, "...have a purpose here which they can fulfill nowhere else..."

[Damian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining collection of stories about why Indiana Jones is really a douchebag.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[Chrissi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one took me awhile to finish. It caught me at first, but then I started to drift away from the bits of narrative in it. Easier to follow at some points, not so much in others. There are loads of names and places to keep track of as you read - I ended up with a note chart.

I picked up this book after reading Robert Wittman's Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World's Stolen Treasures a few months ago. I've become really interested in this problem of "stealing history", especially as more and more history is literally stolen underfoot from people who may or may not be able to protect it - and as more and more history is bulldozed in the name of progress. Having lived in Shanghai, China, I saw neighborhoods and alleys destroyed for new and shiny apartments and malls. Even the old is made new when considering Xintiandi. It's a shinier, cleaner, sanitized version of history. So - what is our collective responsibility toward preserving history and making sure we understand the context of it?

Atwood focuses much of his book around the looting of Sipan in Peru, a site which yielded loads of pre-Colombian artifacts that were priceless - unless you knew the right collector with the right kind of money. He talks a great deal about archeological value in objects, how poverty plays a role in looting of grave sites, and also how individual community groups can play a part in policing these sites to protect them. There is loads of corruption (in all sectors), gritting of teeth, and moments of triumph when the pieces return home. He references Wittman in a few of the chapters when he talks about the FBI sting to get the backflap out of the looters' hands. Then there is the tension between archeologists, museum directors, auction houses, looters, middlemen, and collectors. Which view of the past is really the right one?

Admittedly, it was an interesting read about the role of cultural artifacts and treasures in modern society, especially in their "home" locations. As Atwood remarks, "Whole countries are being stripped of their archaeological endowments by the antiquities trade, as Guatemala has seen and as Alva [Peruvian archeologist] has warned the Peruvians is happening to them, and there is no reason to think it will not swallow up more cultures until intact ancient site become, if not unheard of, extremely rare. The day is not far off when an archaeologist can go through an entire career without seeing a single unpillaged site. This's a realistic possibility and whether we realize it or not, we are moving toward it with alarming speed" (p. 243).

If that is our future, what is there then to guard against it? Atwood gives several steps, including multinational, national, and local ways it can be stopped. In our globalized world, there are things that everyone must to if we want to protect this. But what if a collector argues that something is better off with them than in its home environment - due to war, unrest, discord, destruction? What would have happened to Syrian treasures if they weren't in worldwide museums ... Iraqi treasures? Their argument that the items are better off with them. Safer.

Read this to find out what side of the debate you fall on.

[Archaeology Books for Fun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stealing History is a gripping and informative look into the dark world of looted antiquities, and we found ourselves both enlightened and unsettled by what Roger Atwood uncovers. The book takes readers behind the scenes of the global black market in artifacts, following the trail from tomb raiders and smugglers to collectors and museums.

We really enjoyed how Atwood brings attention to the real-world consequences of looting—not just the loss of objects, but the erasure of context, meaning, and heritage. His storytelling is engaging, and the journalistic approach makes complex legal and ethical issues accessible without oversimplifying them.

Our critiques are minor. There were a few moments where the pacing slowed or certain topics felt like they could have been explored a bit more deeply. But honestly, those moments didn’t diminish the book’s overall impact. We’ve found ourselves referring back to Stealing History again and again in later podcast episodes, which speaks to how thought-provoking and useful it’s been in shaping our own conversations.

This is a compelling read for anyone interested in archaeology, cultural heritage, or the ethical dilemmas behind collecting ancient antiquities. Highly recommended.

We discussed this book in "Stealing History: Parts 1-4" of our podcast—Archaeology Books for Fun! Check it out here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/prof...

[Julian Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorny subject from which ever side of the fence you view it, except that there appear to be more that two sides to this particular hurdle.

By using many colorful characters from all areas of this trade, the author manages to present the arguments for and against the illegal trade and lawful public display of antiquities, while clearly covering the enormous grey area in the middle which makes this such an emotive and controversial subject.

Well written and meticulously researched, this is part adventure, part thesis, and part legal review.

However you read it, though, this is a highly informative and pacey tale and I was immediately engrossed.

[Delphine Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderfully interesting and informative book. I learned so much and was engaged from the start to the finish. This book was fascinating. It definitely was a little fractured and repetitive. The editing definitely could have been better. The shear quality of information and source material probably made it difficult to organize so much information. Atwood lives and breathes archeology and antiquity looting. The fact that he even went out in a looting dig! He met and knew many players in the dramas of looting, collecting, and tracking. The book is astonishing. I can’t say enough about it!

[Wysteria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good deep dive into the world of antiquities trading and the looting that supports it. I read parts of this book about 15 years ago in an archaeology class, but never finished the whole thing. I’m sure there have been updates on the sites and even the laws since it was published. If you’re interested in South American archaeology at all, its an interesting read into a few cultures that I knew nothing about.

[Kathleen McRae · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is full of names I won't remember. It is a detailed account of the looting at Sipan Peru with a few detours to other sites of looting.It was interesting but had such an excess of detail that eventually became plodding.

[BOOK BOOKS]

NONFICTION_MEME, DO YOU KNOW ANY INTERESTING BOOKS ABOUT THE THEFT OF ANTIQUITIES AND THE MOVEMENT TO RETURN THEM?

IF YOU'VE SEEN THE TV SHOW STEALING HISTORY, THEN YOU PROBABLY KNOW IT'S BASED ON A BOOK OF THE SAME NAME. MY SISTER MFL'D IT BUT I HAVE READ IT YET.

[Jerry Peace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The wealthy arrogant always get what they want and don't care how they get it. Gonna be difficult to go into museums now.

[Yasmin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars not because I liked it personally but because it was well written. When I got this book from the local library I actually thought the book would be a history of artifacts and culture that had been stolen over many, many years. Not so. I would say the history of archeology is tricky at best as it is currently. Unfortunately the author did not adequately in my opinion argue his case. There are two arguments mentioned in this book. Pro and anti looting, however not as easy as it sounds. There is a lot of detail which I will save for the reader to read. I will say this that I am not a staunch supporter of archelogists as I pointed out in a previous book about archeology work in Greenland. The author there said that inexperienced archeologists can do serious damage to excavation sites when they work. Furthermore I don't agree that the British museums not returning pieces from Greece. Why do history enthusiasts go all the way to England to see someone else's history? If the history of humanity belongs to us all then there should be more displays going between museums in other cities in different countries. As well more museums should be free admission and special displays should be cheaper so that more people can enjoy history. Are enough people appreciating history? How do you get history to matter now? I agree with the opinion that most archeologists write long scholarly dissertations that is beyond understanding for non scholarly readers and there is a sort of finders keepers attitude. As well there are many museums that have artifacts that are not on display but are locked away somewhere gathering dust. It can be said in some defence that there is no room to display everything. Well there are two answers to that. Loan the item or items to another museum or shuffle the displays around. I also to start with agreed it is better the artifacts are on display in private homes and appreciated. Then you read what greedy swines are the collectors no one gets to appreciate anything that should. But this does bring about the age old question should tombs and burial mounds be excavated in the first place? The author asked some looters how would they like their tombs/burials ransacked? Well in a sense archelogists disturb the dead too. Originally these items and so on were meant to stay in the ground for the dead. Is digging them up any less of a sacrilege? With all the years of archelogists digging and do on to appreciate history we some how forgot do we now appreciate our world now for it's bounty to inspire us to have once created these 'treasures'? Can we borrow from the past to make more treasures and a greater joy for our lives? History is always stolen. In battles the so called loosing side has lost a way of life, archeologists pull history up from the ground and when it is sent away to other countries that history has been stolen, when collectors pay looters yes that too is stealing. We steal from the dead. But they are bones and dust do they matter or is it actually psychological? Yes people everywhere should be proud from where they have come from. That despite been said in the not so distant past they are not backward savages. But when you are poor and hungry and you don't know what tomorrow will bring where is your pride then? It has to be sacrificed in order to live? What us there to be done? Governments that would rather wage war and line their pockets with money must feed their people and educate them freely to have national pride. More too museums must return the artifacts from other countries. Their history is as rich and once amicable relations begin there can be travelling museum pieces. Every museum can share the bounty of our history. In this sense admission can be free, bigger displays have a fee but reasonably priced and then and only then will it be fair to everyone and the looting will stop. Also if you want the rich to stop paying for looted history tax the lot so they can't afford collections! Read the book and draw your own conclusions but sadly there is a lot remiss on both sides of the collection of history pieces.

[Anthony Romanelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Atwood's account of tomb looting extremely interesting and his arguments for both sides of the looting debate very compelling. It made me wonder though. Atwood makes the case that the Peruvian people do not "respect" their heritage, which leads to their looting. But what gives Atwood,Alva or anyone else the authority to judge what is respect and what isn't? Granted, looting is not a good thing, but haven't colonial homes been torn down and replaced in Atwood's homeland of America? What makes the looting done by archaeologists any different from that done by criminals? They both trespass on the tombs, use the same tools, go after the same objects. The only difference is that museums display loot to the public as historical documents, rather than privately as art. Even museums have used looted goods in their exhibits! Museums should not be so hypocritical. Rather instead they should be more honest and educate the Peruvians and other cultures about their history, teaching them not to disturb the tombs. And perhaps in return, museums should not disturb them either. If you really went to save history, leave it alone.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the opening pages set in Iraq after the downfall of Saddam Hussein to the mountains of Peru to the Museum of Art in New Mexico, Atwood traces the looting of art, textiles, and other artifacts from the tomb to the looter to the middleman to the collector. He's not afraid to ask questions and follow the story. He comes up with a few solutions in the end, but how many of them will ever be followed is anyone's guess. My bet is not very many. As long as there are people willing to buy history, someone will be there to sell it. Organizations like the FBI and others are trying to enforce laws, but there is only so much they can do without help from some serious legislation. What I found shocking was the extent to which museum themselves were collaborators in this cultural rape. They ask mighty few questions about where their acquisitions come from, especially their older ones, and are very reluctant to part with anything, even when the piece is proven to be looted. Finders keepers is the only law that really operates in the art world. Great story.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this more 3.5-4.00, but I was giving it the benefit given what other books are on the market right now. The book summary itself is a bit misleading, as it leads you to believe that you will be reading about art looting worldwide when in fact the book primarily focuses on Sipan Peru with brief, intermittent mentions of worldwide affairs. This is further complicated by the fact that the cover is a sculpture from Asia. However, this seriously misleading summary should not be its downfall as Sipan is the best location to describe the complexity of looting, and makes you realize that looting itself is not as black and white as we like it to be. Atwood does a great job at helping one understand and moralize the looters, who often are the poorest in the community and most likely to be punished, in addition to addressing the complications of art collecting and museum acquisitions.

[Victoria Blacke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me wish I was involved in a book club where I could have a detailed discussion about the moral and ethical dilemma about removing artwork from its country of origin, about private collections, about museums benefiting from past misdeeds...the topics are endless!! It definitely had it's slow parts but that was more b/c of the necessity of imparting some less than fascinating facts in order to further the story.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly intriguing and engaging, even for someone who knows very little about cultural property law, archaeology, or pre-Columbian art. Atwood is very much an activist in this book, which makes the reading very satisfying (assuming you agree with him), but it also makes me reserved in accepting everything he presens as fact. Well worth the read.

[Wayland Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting study in the looting of historical sites, focusing especially on Peru, but also Iraq and a few other areas. It can get a bit academic, and the author gets a bit preachy at times, but it's an interesting read. It told me about a culture I'd never heard of, and gave me an idea for another story down the road. Recommended to fans of archeology, history, and the like.

[Stephen Chastain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting if you're into archaeology or art history, but I could see this book getting a bit dry for other people. Reads a lot like a true crime documentary, with some exciting twists and turns as the FBI, antiquities smugglers, gangsters, and Peruvian authorities all play with and against one another.

[Madeline Savage · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative book which even the beginner can pick up. A very easy read that delves into the ancient World. It has a lot of history of looting especially from the 20th century. Atwood shows the story from the perspective of looters, collectors, archeologists and law enforcers.

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is why I am going to law school- it's amazing the book hasn't fallen apart seeing as how many times I threw it on the ground, but I always picked it up again.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book SO MUCH.

[Marissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm a history buff and I found the writing completely dry. It wasn't descriptive enough for me. I'd enjoy this if it were a little more cerebral, even if it is a non-fiction piece.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, so good. Slightly depressing, though.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part was a better read than the later part. Very informative and enlightening