Archaeology News

Residents fighting for survival wonder how they can save their heritage...

Aleppo, Syria: Ruled successively by Hittites, Greeks, Romans and Ottomans, Aleppo’s ancient city has survived violent change over thousands of years. But the modern weaponry of Syria’s escalating civil war is proving too much.

The stone walls are pockmarked with bullet holes, whole houses have fallen after air strikes, and small wooden doors decorated with metal filigree are cracked from explosions.

Nearly one thousand wonders of the world – created by people or by nature – have been given status as World Heritage. New research shows that most people do not understand the concept of World Heritage or do not know why places are awarded this status.

What do the Pyramids in Egypt, Vega in Nordland county (the land of the Eider, with 6,500 islands, islets and skerries), the Great Wall of China, the Victoria Falls in southern Africa, and Bryggen in Bergen have in common? They are all included on UNESCO’s list of natural and cultural World Heritage: the World Heritage List. The list includes heritage of unique and universal value – heritage that belongs to all of humanity. Nearly 950 places, both natural and cultural, are included on the list.