The Roman temples at Baalbek in eastern Lebanon have stood for over two millennia, showcasing exceptional Roman architecture and cultural significance. Recent Israeli air strikes that targeted a car park near the UNESCO World Heritage site have raised alarms among archaeologists about the possible destruction of these historical locations amid ongoing hostilities with Hezbollah. Graham Philip, an archaeology professor at Durham University, emphasized the irrevocable loss that would result from damage to Baalbek, stating, "It would be a huge loss. It would be a crime."
Since late September, Israel has executed thousands of air strikes in Lebanon in an escalation of its efforts against Hezbollah, intensifying their campaign in regions historically rich in heritage. Although the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) maintain that their operations target military sites only, recent strikes have occurred alarmingly close to critical archaeological treasures, including the Baalbek temples and Tyre, a former Phoenician port.
On October 23, the IDF issued evacuation protocols for areas surrounding the Roman ruins, shortly before commencing air strikes in those zones. Despite no reports of current damage to these ancient sites, Lebanese archaeologists have voiced serious concerns regarding the proximity of the outbreak of violence to these heritage landmarks. "For Baalbek it was even worse than Tyre, because the temples are located within the area that is targeted," noted local archaeologist Joanne Farchakh Bajjaly.
A statement from the IDF asserted that military targets are meticulously chosen, considering the presence of sensitive structures. However, ordinary Lebanese people have sought refuge near these ancient sites, mistakenly believing they would be safer due to the cultural significance attached to them. Bajjaly warned against this belief, stating emphatically, "The site is not a shelter."
Israeli archaeologist Erez Ben-Yosef acknowledged the precarious situation that war creates for cultural heritage, remarking that damages to archaeological sites could represent a severe loss not only for Lebanon but also for the broader world. Nevertheless, he asserted that measures are in place to minimize such impacts, a sentiment echoed by Graham Philip, who is closely monitoring the situation and previously observed similar devastation in Gaza during past conflicts.
While the extent of damage remains to be assessed, the preservation of ancient cultural sites during conflicts remains a pressing concern. Philip drew parallels to how people in the UK would react to destruction of iconic historical landmarks, saying these sites represent the identity and soul of their communities. The ongoing conflict in Lebanon elevates the stakes for the preservation of their cultural assets, urging citizens and communities alike to recognize and protect their historical heritage amidst turmoil.
