As Israeli airstrikes continue in Lebanon, experts express growing concerns over the safety of the ancient Roman ruins at Baalbek, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A recent attack targeted a car park just meters from these iconic structures, and although no damage has been reported so far, archaeologists warn that the proximity to conflict poses a significant threat. Prominent figures in the archaeological community argue that the destruction of these historic sites would be an irreparable loss, with calls for the protection of cultural heritage amid ongoing military actions.
Risk to Cultural Heritage: Israeli Bombing Threatens Ancient Ruins in Baalbek, Archaeologists Warn
Risk to Cultural Heritage: Israeli Bombing Threatens Ancient Ruins in Baalbek, Archaeologists Warn
Israeli airstrikes near the historic Baalbek site in Lebanon raise alarms about potential damage to UNESCO-protected ancient ruins.
The escalating military conflict has led to evacuation orders in the vicinity of Baalbek's ruins, intensifying fears about their future. Local archaeologists stress that the ancient sites should be preserved not only for Lebanon but for humanity as a whole.
“Baalbek is the major Roman site in Lebanon. You couldn't replace it if someone bombed it,” says Graham Philip, an archaeology professor at Durham University. "It would be a huge loss. It would be a crime."
Since late September, Israel has conducted extensive airstrikes in Lebanon, primarily targeting Hezbollah positions. Although the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claim to avoid impacting sensitive sites, locals and experts question this assertion, as bombings have occurred alarmingly close to the storied ruins of Baalbek and Tyre, another historical site.
Reports from the region indicate that some residents, seeking refuge, have gravitated towards these ancient sites, mistakenly believing they offer safety from attacks. Local governments have cautioned against this, emphasizing that these treasured sites are not shelters.
While the IDF maintains that military targets are chosen with great care, the potential for collateral damage looms large. Graham Philip cautions that even precision strikes carry the risk of misfires, which could lead to catastrophic results for heritage sites.
Historical contexts such as these underscore the weight that cultural landmarks carry for nations, with archaeologists highlighting their role as essential facets of identity. The ongoing conflict raises difficult questions surrounding the preservation of these important sites, urging the international community to consider the implications of warfare on humanity's shared legacy.
“Baalbek is the major Roman site in Lebanon. You couldn't replace it if someone bombed it,” says Graham Philip, an archaeology professor at Durham University. "It would be a huge loss. It would be a crime."
Since late September, Israel has conducted extensive airstrikes in Lebanon, primarily targeting Hezbollah positions. Although the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claim to avoid impacting sensitive sites, locals and experts question this assertion, as bombings have occurred alarmingly close to the storied ruins of Baalbek and Tyre, another historical site.
Reports from the region indicate that some residents, seeking refuge, have gravitated towards these ancient sites, mistakenly believing they offer safety from attacks. Local governments have cautioned against this, emphasizing that these treasured sites are not shelters.
While the IDF maintains that military targets are chosen with great care, the potential for collateral damage looms large. Graham Philip cautions that even precision strikes carry the risk of misfires, which could lead to catastrophic results for heritage sites.
Historical contexts such as these underscore the weight that cultural landmarks carry for nations, with archaeologists highlighting their role as essential facets of identity. The ongoing conflict raises difficult questions surrounding the preservation of these important sites, urging the international community to consider the implications of warfare on humanity's shared legacy.
