UNESCO steps in to protect what's left of Syria's Palmyra
Countless antiquities have been obliterated in the fierce fighting and rampant destruction in Syria, where the famous Palmyra archaeological site has lost a devastating portion of its treasures.
ALEPPO, Syria — The city of Palmyra's archaeological heritage has been severely battered — but not destroyed — after years of fighting in Syria, experts say.
Until recently, Palmyra was one of Syria's most important tourist attractions. Before the Syrian revolution broke out in March 2011, the city, which dates back to the beginning of the second century and is registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List, attracted tourists from around the world.
But the city in central Syria, just 243 kilometers (150 miles) from Damascus, has been devastated by airstrikes and missile attacks by regime forces that wreaked havoc on its archaeological structure, while the Islamic State has deliberately destroyed some of its ancient landmarks.
Palmyra was controlled by regime forces until IS launched violent attacks and took over the city on May 20, 2015, after a week of fighting. IS members destroyed numerous archaeological landmarks, blowing up the famous Arch of Triumph. The shrine of Baal Shamin and the 2,000-year-old Temple of Bel were destroyed, along with the famed Lion God statue at the entrance of the Palmyra Archaeological Museum.
