State of the World from NPR Assessing the Damage at Lebanon's Historical Sites
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Jan 3, 2025 Recent airstrikes have devastated Lebanon's historical sites, including the collapse of a Crusader castle and the destruction of an 18th-century minaret. Archaeologists are now embarking on a mission to assess the damage inflicted on these priceless artifacts. Personal stories from locals highlight the deep emotional and cultural loss experienced by the community. The intersection of war and heritage raises urgent questions about preserving history amidst conflict.
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Roman Ruins in Tyre
- Archaeologist Mahmoud Ghazal shows Lauren Freyer Roman ruins in Tyre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The ticket office roof has a large blue and white shield to protect it from warplanes.
Destruction in Tyre
- Despite protection symbols, the city surrounding the Tyre ruins was destroyed, including a Byzantine wall and Ottoman homes.
- Some museum artifacts were saved, but entire buildings could not be protected.
Church Airstrike
- A 19th-century Greek Catholic church in Derd Gaya was severely damaged in an airstrike, with one wall sheared off.
- Eight people were reportedly killed despite Israeli evacuation warnings.