-
Damaged Mosque
Photograph by Ahmad Gharabli, AFP/Getty Images
Cultural monuments throughout Syria, like this mosque in Azaz north of Aleppo, have been damaged by shelling, gunfire, and ongoing violence.
—Lacey Gray
Published August 20, 2012
-
Soldiers on the Move
Photograph by Bulent Kilic, AFP/Getty Images
A fighter pauses outside a gate in old city Aleppo, where clashes erupted in August.
Published August 20, 2012
-
Aleppo Citadel
Photograph by Patrick Kovarik, AFP/Getty Images
Aleppo's medieval citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was damaged in August by shells when fighting escalated near the old city. Inside the fortress entrance a massive iron door—installed by the Mamelukes in the 16th century—was destroyed.
Published August 20, 2012
-
Crusader Castle
Photograph by Djilali Belaid, AFP/Getty Images
Both government troops and rebels have occupied citadels like Qala'at al-Hosn, known to the world as Krak des Chevaliers. Ancient buildings are now enmeshed in a modern war, attracting enemy fire.
Published August 20, 2012
-
Historic Architecture
Photograph by Christopher Herwig, Lonely Planet Images/Getty Images
Crusaders built Krak des Chevaliers and famously held off the armies of Arab conqueror Saladin. Today, the 12th-century castle, one of the best preserved in the world, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Published August 20, 2012
-
Roman Ruins
Photograph by C. Sappa, De Agostini/Getty Images
Mark Antony and Cleopatra once visited the column-lined streets of the Roman city Apamea, now located near the modern Syrian city of Hama. This year in separate incidents the ruins of Apamea were shelled and looted, with mosaics and column capitals reportedly stolen.
Published August 20, 2012
-
Next: Ancient Egyptian Artifacts Damaged in Looting >>
Photograph by Tara Todra Whitehill, AP
Published August 20, 2012
From the Archives
Trending News
-
Mystery of Deadly Volcanic Eruption Solved?
Using ice cores, geochemistry, tree rings, and ancient texts, scientists discover which volcano erupted in the 13th century with worldwide effects.
-
First Cloud Map of Exoplanet
For the first time, astronomers can forecast cloudy skies on a distant exoplanet.
-
First Face Found—On a Fish
The extinct animal's face structure could help explain how vertebrates, including people, evolved our distinctive look.
Advertisement
Connect With Nat Geo
Got Something to Share?
Special Ad Section
Great Energy Challenge Blog
Sustainable Earth
-
Help Save the Colorado River
NG's new Change the Course campaign launches.
-
New Models for Fishing
Future of Fish is helping fishermen improve their bottom line while better managing stocks for the future.
-
Can Pesticides Grow Organic Crops?
The Change Reaction blog investigates in California.
