Satellite Photos Substantiate Effect of Terrorism on Archaeological Sites in Der Ezzor
Satellite photos which depicted the archaeological sites in Der Ezzor , Dora Europos, Mary, Tel Sheikh Hamad in the spring of 2014, authenticate the damages caused to these important sites as a result of the illegal excavations and the systematic sabotage carried out by foreign and neighboring hireling armed gangs and bandits.
Dr. Mamoun Abdul Karim, the director of the general directorate of Antiquities and Museums affirmed that these sites, which have sustained destruction of the archaeological infrastructure, have paramount importance in understanding the historical development of these sites.
Dr.Abdul karim said: “ satellite photos added new information to the Directorate of Antiquities and Museums to enhance evidences of the damage to which our archaeological sites have been exposed by the illegal excavations which are devastating the cultural heritage and historical monuments of Syria “.
The historical site; Europos or Salehia which was founded in the eighth century BC has one of the oldest churches in the world. It is also worth mentioning that the total area of Europos or Salehia site is 150-hectare whereas the illegal excavations destroyed by the bandits reached 60 hectares.
Moreover, Mary is considered as an important city dating back to the early Bronze Age between 3000-1600 BC. Excavations revealed the vestiges of the well-known Zimri Lim palace which Hammurabi destroyed in the mid-18th century BC.
N.H.Khider