Aleteia logoAleteia logoAleteia
Monday 18 March |
Saint of the Day: Bl. Christian O’Conarchy
Aleteia logo
Travel
separateurCreated with Sketch.

Rare photographs of Palmyra before ISIS destroyed it

ANCIENT PALMYRA RUINS

Credit: Félix Bonfils, Maison Bonfils Studio

V. M. Traverso - published on 08/14/18

A new exhibition, "Old Cities, New Eyes,” features some of the earliest of historic world heritage sites.
Without donors, Aleteia's future is uncertain.
Join our Lenten Campaign 2024.
PLEASE MAKE A DONATION TO ALETEIA

Thanks to the latest innovations in 3-D modeling and VR, the Institute for Digital Archaeology, in association with the UK Permanent Mission to the United Nations, launched a multi-media exhibition that offers visitors the chance to explore some of the world’s most important cultural sites via a combination of old and new images.

One of the highlights of the show is the exhibit, “Photographs from Palmyra,” which includes rare photographs taken in the 19th century of the archaeological treasures of Palmyra, an ancient civilization dating back to the 2nd century BC.

Located in modern Homs, Syria, the ruins of ancient Palmyra, once one of the most important cultural centers of the world, were discovered by archaeologists in the 17th and 18th centuries. The influence of Greco-Roman and Persian cultures left its mark on Palmyra’s architecture and contributed to the revival of classical architectural style.

In the wake of the destruction wrought by ISIS, the photographs are the only remaining evidence of ancient Palmyra.

ANCIENT PALMYRA PHOTOGRAPHS
Credit: Félix Bonfils, Maison Bonfils Studio
Bonfis Collonade, Palmyra, Syria, 1867-76.

As part of “Old Cities, New Eyes,” visitors will be able to explore Palmyra in both historic images and recent photos taken after the destruction caused by war.

ANCIENT PALMYRA RUINS
Credit: Félix Bonfils, Maison Bonfils Studio.
Bonfis entrance to temple of Bel, Palmyra, Syria, 1867-76.

Dating from the 19th century, the historic images of Palmyra on display are the work of French photographer Félix Bonfils (1831-1895) and his assistants who traveled to Palmyra from their studio in Beirut by horse, camel and mule. They carried heavy photographic equipment, including wooden cameras and a portable darkroom.

ANCIENT PALMYRA RUINS
Credit: Félix Bonfils, Maison Bonfils Studio
Bonfilis Triumphal arch in Palmyra, Syria, 1867-76.

These pioneers in photography developed negatives on site—a process that would take less than 15 minutes thanks to the desert wind that dried the film quickly. Thanks to their efforts, we have a photographic record of Palmyra during its early stages of preservation.

And thanks to a 3-D installation recently hosted at the Italian Institute of Archaeology in Arona, Italy, in honor of the memory of Syrian archeologist Khaled al-Asaad who died while defending his country’s heritage, visitors will also be able to get a sense of Palmyra’s triumphal arch through a life-size digital reconstruction.

ANCIENT PALMYRA; RUINS
Credit: The Institute for Digital Archeology.
The Institute for Digital Archeology recreated a life-size replica of the Triumphal Arch of Palmyra.

The “digital arch,” which was previously installed in Florence during the 2017 G7 meeting where it was visited by an estimated 2 million people, was created thanks to the dedicated work of archaeology and technology experts from the Institute for Digital Archeology. As one visitor put it: “the arch is not a recreation but a new monument in its own right, a symbol of courage and tolerance.”

The IDA is now working on a new photogrammetry project to document hundreds of at-risk sites around the Middle East. But as Roger Michel, Director of the IDA observed, the project is much more than “just” technology; it’s about the co-creation of a shared device for cultural heritage. 

“For a finished object to be anything more than a cold piece of stone,” Michel said, “it is essential to ensure the active participation of local historians, archaeologists and citizens.” 

Tags:
ArchaeologyIslamist MilitantsSyria
Support Aleteia!

Enjoying your time on Aleteia?

Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you.

Thanks to their partnership in our mission, we reach more than 20 million unique users per month!

Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting and transformative Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.

Support Aleteia with a gift today!

jour1_V2.gif
Daily prayer
And today we celebrate...




Top 10
See More
Newsletter
Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. Subscribe here.