The Illicit Trade in Antiquitiesis not the World’s Third Largest Illicit Trade: A Critical Evaluation of a Factoid

This paper represents a “stratigraphic excavation”of the assertion that the illicit trade in antiquities is the 3rd largest, second only to arms and narcotics. Through queries into academic, popular media, and policy literature, we document the layers of use and reuse of this factoid, presenting a narrative of its evolution over the past five decades. We find that the assertion is not based on any research ever conducted, any statistics ever collected, and originates with no competent authorities. We conclude that the uncritical repetition of false “facts”undermines legitimate efforts to prevent looting, trafficking, and illicit sale of antiquities.