By / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team, compiled and reported
One less World Heritage site remains. The Temple of Bel, recognized as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, was bombed and destroyed by the Islamic State (IS) on August 23. The Temple of Bel held great significance within the ancient city of Palmyra, which has been occupied and progressively damaged by IS since May.
The millennia-old Temple of Bel has been destroyed. (Image source / tumblr, photo by Zeledi)
The ancient city of Palmyra is hailed as the Pearl of the Desert. (Image source / bbc)
The ancient city of Palmyra, known as the "Pearl of the Desert," is located in central Syria and has long served as an important stopover for desert caravans. The Temple of Bel is an ancient structure with a long history, built in the 1st century AD—approximately 2,000 years ago. It is one of the better-preserved historic relics in the ancient city of Palmyra and a must-visit attraction. Now, it has been largely destroyed by bombs. The entire ancient city of Palmyra contains numerous ancient Roman historical sites, with many highly valuable structures. This has caused concern among Syrians and those who care about historical heritage that more World Heritage sites may be destroyed in the future.
World Heritage gains nine new members: Botanical gardens now included too!
》http://www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=11887