No temple in Palmyra! opposing the reconstruction of the Temple of Bel

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Andreas Schmidt-Colinet

Abstract

In 2015, the Temple of Bel in Palmyra, Syria was intentionally destroyed with explosives by the so-called Islamic State (ISIL, Daesh). (Fig. 1-3).2 Other ancient buildings in this oasis city were also destroyed. The museum was bombed through its roof, seriously compromising its structural integrity, and many artefacts were purposely smashed. Even the catalogue of the museum’s inventory was destroyed in the civil war. A new survey will have to be taken and a completely new catalogue composed. This alone will require years of work. Other serious consequences of the war were the lootings, especially in the ancient tombs, and the increased illegal export of artefacts, especially from Palmyra.

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