Who: Islamic State
What: Destroyed Arch of Triumph
When: 4 October 2015
Terror outfit ISIS on 4 October 2015 destroyed the 2000-year-old Arch of Triumph in the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra.
The iconic Arch of Triumph was situated at the entrance to Palmyra’s historic colonnaded street which linked the Roman Empire to Persia. The Arch is the latest victim in a series of destruction of historical ruins since Iraq and Syria have come under the control of IS.
ISIS militants seized control of Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the surrounding area from Syrian government forces in May 2015. Since then, the terror group has been on a mission to destroy the historical architectures of the city.
Destruction of cultural heritage in Palmyra by ISIS
• On 27 June 2015, Islamic State demolished the ancient Lion of Al-lāt statue.
• On 23 August 2015, it blew up the 1st-century Temple of Baalshamin.
• On 30 August 2015, it demolished the Temple of Bel with explosives.
• Between 27 August 2015 and 2 September 2015, it destroyed the 2nd-century AD Tower of Elahbel.