Syrian Conflict

Throughout the conflict dating back to spring 2011, our focus has been on the warring factions and the large displacement of Syrian refugees as well as loss of many lives.   In addition to these significant topics, Syria holds some of man’s oldest preserved historical sites which still possess a multiplicity of secrets yet to be discovered.  Now these sites which are usually under protection are being robbed of their artifacts, looters are destroying these “dead cities” in search of valuables.  Detractors argue during this time of crisis, what advantage is there in cataloging these damaged sites?  Archeologists suggest knowing which sites have been damaged when the fighting subsides will be the first step to rebuilding and or recovering what has been lost.  The preservation of historical sites is invaluable to all students of history and has unfortunately become another casualty during this conflict.