17 February 2012 Last updated at 05:07 ET
The robbers are said to have overpowered a female guard
Robbery at Ancient Olympia museum
The robbers are said to have overpowered a female guard
Armed robbers have stolen dozens of artefacts from a museum in Ancient Olympia - the birthplace of the Olympics, Greek officials say.
They say two masked men smashed glass displays after overpowering a guard.
Local mayor Thymios Kotzias said items of "incalculable" value had been stolen, but gave no details.
Culture Minister Pavlos Geroulanos has tendered his resignation, but it has so far not been accepted. He is on his way to the site in western Greece.
The thieves reportedly stole more than about 60 items - mostly bronze and clay statuettes.
Mr Kotzias was quoted by AFP as saying: "There were two of them, and they had a gun.
"They immobilised the guard as the shift changed at 7am (05:00 GMT), having previously knocked out the alarm.
"We must wait and see what the local archaeology supervisor will say, but the items were of incalculable value," Mr Kotzias added.
The BBC's Mark Lowen in Greece says the museum contains some of Greece's most valuables treasures from the temples of Ancient Olympia.
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