Update on the Situation in Palmyra

Author(s): Allison Cuneo; Susan Penacho; LeeAnn Barnes Gordon

Year: 2015

Summary

Since its capture by ISIL (IS or ISIS) militants in May 2015, the region around the ancient city of Palmyra (modern Tadmor) has been in the midst of a humanitarian crisis, which has escalated dramatically in recent weeks. This report will provide a summary of the current situation in Palmyra and the effects of the conflict on its people and cultural heritage. Atrocities include attacks on civilians and mass abductions.

Intentional damage to the cultural materials of the local populations is widespread, including the destruction of Islamic and Christian religious sites, as well as severe damage to the architectural remains within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Palmyra. Confirmed damage at this archaeological site includes the destruction of the Baalshamin Temple and the Temple of Bel and destruction or severe damage to at least seven tower tombs within the Valley of the Tombs.

For more detailed information on the heritage and history of the ancient city, please review the ASOR Cultural Heritage Initiative’s Special Report on the Significance of Palmyra.

Cite this Record

Update on the Situation in Palmyra. Allison Cuneo, Susan Penacho, LeeAnn Barnes Gordon. 2015 ( tDAR id: 447779) ; doi:10.6067/XCV8447779

Keywords

Site Name
Baalshamin Temple • Bel Temple • Palmyra

Site Type
Domestic Structure or Architectural Complex • Funerary and Burial Structures or Features • Historic Structure • Non-Domestic Structures • Resource Extraction / Production / Transportation Structure or Features • Road • Road, Trail, and Related Structures or Features • Settlements • Structure • Temple • Tomb • Town / City

Investigation Types
Heritage Management

General
UNESCO

Geographic Keywords
Palmyra, Syria • Syria • Tadmor, Syria

Spatial Coverage

min long: 38.195; min lat: 34.496 ; max long: 38.365; max lat: 34.624 ;

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contributor(s): Michael Danti; Cheikhmous Ali; Kyra Kaercher; Kathryn Franklin; Tate Paulette; David Elitzer; Erin Van Gessel

Prepared By(s): American Schools of Oriental Research

Record Identifiers

NEA-PSHSS(s): 14-001

File Information

  Name Size Creation Date Date Uploaded Access
2015-ASOR-CHI-Palmyra_UpdateReport_FINAL4reduced.pdf 1.76mb Sep 3, 2015 Dec 14, 2018 3:08:15 PM Public