Stealing History

“Reads like a perfect detective story, replete with Mafia connections, diplomat-smugglers, and police chases.” —The Washington Post

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 countryside 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 Pennsylvania.

Packed with true stories, this book not only reveals what has been found, but at what cost to both human life and history.

“Riveting . . . takes readers on a thorough investigation from war-ravaged Iraq to northern Peru.” —Chicago Sun-Times

“Atwood gained extraordinary access to actors at every level of the illicit trade in antiquities . . . Packed with detail.” —The Boston Globe

“This vividly written, well-researched book is a great primer for anyone interested in the ongoing struggle by archaeologists, law enforcement officials, and national governments to curb the illegal antiquities trade.”—Archaeology Magazine