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Valuable sculptures and cultural objects have been taken from the National Museum of Syria in Damascus, authorities report.

The robbery was discovered on Monday, when employees allegedly found that a doorway had been damaged from the interior.

The six taken pieces were crafted from marble and originated to the Roman period, a source stated to the Associated Press.

Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had initiated an inquiry to identify the "events surrounding the loss of a number of items", and that measures had been taken to enhance protection and observation methods.

The director of domestic security in Damascus province, Security Chief Atkeh, was referenced by the government press as stating that law enforcement were examining the incident, which he said had focused on several "historical artifacts and unique items".

He continued that security personnel at the facility and other persons were being interviewed.

The Damascus Museum, which was established in 1919, holds the most important archaeological collection in the country.

It includes historical records originating to the Bronze Age from an ancient city, where proof of the oldest known linguistic system was discovered; early centuries CE ancient art from historical site, among the foremost historical locations of the historical period; and a 3rd Century AD religious building that was constructed at an ancient location.

The museum was had to cease operations in 2012, a year after the start of the devastating civil war. A large portion of the holdings was transferred and kept at undisclosed sites to protect them.

It partially resumed in recent years and completely reopened in early this year, a month after insurgents deposed President Bashar al-Assad.

Every one of nationally recognized sites were harmed or significantly impacted during the internal struggle.

The Islamic State group blew up several ancient buildings and historical sites at the archaeological site, stating that they were against their beliefs. International authorities condemned the damage as a violation.

Many historical objects were also lost or taken from archaeological sites and collections.