By: Lauren McCormick
While scanning the Washington Post’s website the other day, an article pertaining to the Syrian conflict instantly caught my eye. It was not about the horrific acts of war that one might think, but rather about a new kind of violence against the nation’s heritage. The article, “Syrian Rebels loot Artifacts to Raise Money for Fight against Assad” published on February 12th 2013, detailed the crimes of the Syrian rebels against archaeological sites and museums.
Map of Syrian Conflict compliments of PoliticalGeography.com
The Syrian Conflict, which is now in its third year has claimed the lives of over 60,000 people according to the CIA World Fact Book and continues to produce casualties of war. The turmoil began in March 2011 with anti-government protests and calls for the resignation of President Bashar Al-Asad. The situation escalated into armed conflict when the government responded to these protests with violence and force.
Syrian Rebels preparing to engage President Bashar’s forces
photo compliments of ABC News
Over the past three years the tension has increased creating a higher demand by the rebels for weapons, medical supplies, and food. To fund its operation the Free Syrian Army has begun selling one of its most precious resources, cultural artifacts. However, the rebels are not the only threat to the nations archaeology, President Bashar’s forces have repeatedly shelled and demolished important historical sites in pursuit of the rebels. Few archaeological sites have escaped destructive behavior and for the lucky few that have, the threat of destruction and looting constantly looms overhead.
The ancient site of Apamea, however, is just one victim of looting. Apamea is an ancient Roman site dating to the 1st century C.E. This site boasts remains of a Roman theater to rival the Theater at Ephesus for title of ‘Largest Ancient Theater’ still in existence. While this site has never been fully excavated, this has not deterred rebels from removing several marble figurines and tablets from the site and nearby museum. These goodies from Apamea are just a handful compared to the plethora of stolen artifacts from around Syria that the rebels have used to finance their resistance.
Ancient Site of Apamea
Photo compliments of PopularArchaeology.com
While this is a horrible loss for the site of Apamea, the Syrian rebels are not the only party responsible for the loss of cultural patrimony. According to a New York Times article dated August 15th, 2012, President Bashar’s forces targeted the city of Aleppo with missiles and explosives. This site, which also stands as the nation’s capital, is a UNESCO World heritage site boasting over 5,000 years of habitation. Aleppo offers Bronze Age remnants, Roman architecture, medieval structures, Islamic Mosques, and an Ottoman palace. This abundance of world history stands amidst a never-ending flow of gunfire and missiles.
Syrian Forces outside the centuries old Citadel
Photo compliments of NewYorkTimes.com
As the conflict continues to rage, more precious historical artifacts are either destroyed or smuggled out of the country to be sold on the black antiquities market. These precious links to the past could offer a greater economical, touristic, and academic future regardless for whichever side is victorious. However, at this point the question remains, when the gunfire ceases and the dust settles, will there be anything left?
Bibliography:
Bartman, Elizabeth. “AIA Calls for Protection of Syrian Cultural Heritage.” ArchaeologicalInsituteofAmerica.org. N.p., 12 Mar. 2012. Web. 18 Feb. 2013.
“Central Intelligence Agency.” CIA. Central Intelligence Agency, 5 Feb. 2013. Web. 19 Feb. 2013.
Cohen, Patricia. “Syrian Conflict Imperils National Historical Treasures.” New York Times 15 Aug. 2012, Art and Design sec.: C1. NYtimes.com. 16 Aug. 2012. Web. 16 Feb. 2013.
Finlayson, Cynthia. “Uncovering the Great Theater of Apamea.” Popular Archaeology. N.p., 31 May 2012. Web. 17 Feb. 2013.
Luck, Taylor. “Syrian Rebels Loot Artifacts to Raise Money for Fight against Assad.” Washington Post. N.p., 12 Feb. 2013. Web. 19 Feb. 2013.
“Central Intelligence Agency.” CIA. Central Intelligence Agency, 5 Feb. 2013. Web. 19 Feb. 2013.
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