Palmyra, Syria
Palmyra dates back to the second millennium BC and was established as an ancient Semitic city. In the first century AD, it came under the Roman Empire and the city grew to include stunning examples of Roman architecture. Huge monuments such as the Great Colonnade and the Temple of Bel were focal points of the city. A large Roman theater also withstood the test of time and remained at the site for nearly 2,000 years.
In 273, the city was destroyed but rebuilt at a smaller size. In the 4th century the inhabitants converted to Christianity and then to Islam following Islamic conquests. In 1400 the city was once again partially destroyed by the Timurids and was reduced to just a small village. In 1932, the French removed the inhabitants and allowed archaeologists into the site. In 1980 it became a world heritage site because of the unique history of the ancient city.
The site became endangered following the outbreak of Syrian civil war in 2011. In 2013 there were reports of looting and damage to the ancient Temple of Bell from mortar fire, and some of the columns had shrapnel damage. In 2015, ISIS attacked the town of Tadmur and left many in fear that the group, who oppose icons of any sort, would damage Palmyra. On May 21, artifacts that could be moved were transported from the Palmyra museum to Damascus. ISIS invaded the city on the very same day.
Bombs from the Syrian air force damaged the northern wall of the Temple of Baalshamin. The Roman theater was used by ISIS as a place for executions in front of crowds, including Palmyra’s retired antiquities chief who refused to expose where the city’s treasures had been hidden. ISIS ravaged the ancient city, destroying statues and temples, including the Temple of Bel. Syrian forces managed to recapture the city after 10 months, only to have ISIS take it back and cause more destruction, including damaging the Roman theater. In March 2017, Syrian forces once again retook the city.