Getty Images reported that a car park near Baalbek’s UNESCO-designated Roman ruins was struck in an Israeli air strike. The Roman temples at Baalbek have been standing for over two millennia and are considered some of the finest examples of Roman architecture in the world. The recent attack, which also destroyed a centuries-old Ottoman building, has raised concerns among archaeologists about the risk of irreparable damage to historical sites in Lebanon due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Archaeology professor Graham Philip from Durham University emphasized the importance of preserving sites like Baalbek, stating that it would be a huge loss and a crime if they were destroyed. Israel has been conducting air strikes in Lebanon since late September, targeting various areas including southern Lebanon, suburbs of Beirut, and the Bekaa Valley. The IDF claims to only target military sites, but some of these targets are dangerously close to important historical sites like the Baalbek temples and Roman ruins in Tyre.
While there is no evidence of damage to the Roman sites in Tyre and Baalbek from the Israeli strikes, Lebanese archaeologists are alarmed by how close the fighting has been to these ancient ruins. The UNESCO-recognized sites are considered of outstanding value to humanity, and local archaeologists fear for their safety. Residents have even sought refuge in these ancient sites, believing that they would not be targeted by Israel.
Despite the conflict, Israeli archaeologist Erez Ben-Yosef stated that Israel is doing everything possible to prevent damage to important archaeological sites. However, concerns remain about the potential unintended destruction of these cultural heritage sites due to the ongoing war. Archaeology professor Graham Philip highlighted the importance of these ancient sites not just as historical landmarks but as integral parts of the local population’s identity. „Getty Bilder
„Es ist Teil ihrer Identität.“
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