In brief
Strikes near UNESCO sites raise fears of losing invaluable cultural heritage in Lebanon as tensions grow.
The Roman temples at Baalbek, a UNESCO World Heritage site in eastern Lebanon, have stood as monumental testaments to ancient architecture for over two millennia. However, recent Israeli air strikes are raising alarms among archaeologists concerning potential damage to these irreplaceable structures. On Wednesday, a nearby parking lot was hit, and the destruction of a centuries-old Ottoman building has intensified worries about the safety of historical sites amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.Baalbek is recognized as Lebanon’s most significant Roman site, and Graham Philip, an archaeology professor from Durham University, emphasized that losing it would constitute a severe cultural crime. Since late September, Israel has conducted aggressive air operations targeting southern Lebanon, Beirut suburbs, and the Bekaa Valley, significantly escalating hostilities with Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militia.Although the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) assert they target military facilities, many historical sites in close proximity to these targets, such as the Baalbek temples and the ancient port of Tyre, remain at grave risk. Tyre, dating back roughly 2,500 years, is legendary for its connection to purple dye production. On October 23, the IDF ordered evacuations near Baalbek temples, further escalating fears of collateral damage.While there is no confirmation of direct damage to the Roman ruins as of yet, local archaeologists remain apprehensive. Joanne Farchakh Bajjaly, a Lebanese expert, highlighted the unique vulnerability of Baalbek, stating that there are no military facilities within the temple complex to justify attacks. Contrarily, the IDF maintains it takes precautions to avoid sensitive areas during operations and considers such locations in their strategy.As communities seek refuge in ancient sites, believing they might offer safety from bombings, Bajjaly warns that these historical landmarks cannot serve as shelters. The ongoing situation presents a complex challenge for Israel in safeguarding invaluable archaeological heritage while engaging in military operations. Israeli archaeologist Erez Ben-Yosef noted that any damage to important sites would signify a monumental loss for Lebanon and global heritage, stressing that efforts are made actively within the military to prevent such outcomes.Though Graham Philip remains skeptical that Israel aims to intentionally damage cultural sites, he cautions about the risks of misplaced munitions during strikes. The current conflict echoes a similar situation in Gaza, where UNESCO reported that 69 cultural heritage locations have already suffered damage. These ancient sites, he argues, are essential components of a society's identity, akin to losing significant landmarks like the Tower of London.
