Monumental Arch of Palmyra or the Arch of Septimius Severus
Graphical analysis of the Ornaments
Graphical analysis of the Ornaments
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Destroyed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in 2015
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Palmyra / List of destroyed or damaged monuments
Temple of Bel in Palmyra, which was blown up by ISIL in August 2015
Following the capture of Palmyra in Syria, ISIL was reported as not intending to demolish the city's World Heritage Site (while still intending to destroy any statues deemed 'polytheistic').[57] On 27 May 2015, ISIL released a 87-second video showing parts of the apparently undamaged ancient colonnades, the Temple of Bel and the Roman theatre.[57] On 27 June 2015, however, ISIL demolished the ancient Lion of Al-lāt statue in Palmyra. Several other statues from Palmyra reportedly confiscated from a smuggler were also destroyed by ISIL.[55] On 23 August 2015, it was reported that ISIL had blown up the 1st-century Temple of Baalshamin.[58][59] On 30 August 2015, ISIL demolished the Temple of Bel with explosives. Satellite imagery of the site taken shortly after showed almost nothing remained.[60]
According to the report issued on September 3, 2015 by ASOR Syrian Heritage initiative, ISIL also destroyed seven ancient tower tombs in Palmyra since the end of June over two phases.[61] The last phase of destruction occurred between August 27 and September 2, 2015, including the destruction of the 2nd-century AD Tower of Elahbel, called "the most prominent example of Palmyra's distinct funerary monuments".[61] Earlier, the ancient tombs of Iamliku and Atenaten were also destroyed.[61] The Monumental Arch was also blown up in October.[62]
When Palmyra was recaptured by Syrian government forces in March 2016, retreating ISIL fighters blew up parts of the 13th-century Palmyra Castle, causing extensive damage.[63]
ISIL has also looted and demolished the Parthian/Roman city of Dura-Europos in east of Syria.[64] Nicknamed "the Pompeii of the desert", the city was of particular archaeological significance.
Design to Keep Memory Alive
by Roberto Conti 2018
