The ancient Cotofenesti helmet, a 2,500-year-old Romanian treasure, was stolen from the Drents Museum in the Netherlands during the final weekend of its exhibition.

Thieves also took three golden wristbands, leaving authorities devastated.

The helmet, a revered symbol of Romania’s Dacia civilization, is unsellable due to its fame, raising fears it could be melted for its gold, worth far less than its cultural value.

Security footage shows three suspects using a crowbar and explosives to carry out the heist within minutes, the Associated Press has reported. 

Romanian officials call its recovery a top priority, with the theft sparking international outrage.

Written by B.C. Begley