UNESCO has said the historic city of Palymra in Syria must be protected.The reports are conflicting on whether ISIS actually seized the site or only got close to it. I hope the latter. In any case, they have been repelled for now.
The call comes after intense fighting between forces loyal to President Assad and ISIL militants already caused some damage.
The militants reportedly withdrew from the site on Sunday after seizing it a day earlier.
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Related, a photo gallery: Palmyra - An oasis of cultural history (Deutche Welle).
Palmyra was an important ancient Aramaic-speaking city. Some historical details are given here and information on Palmyrene Aramaic is collected here. And for these and more posts on Palmyra and on the recent threats to its ruins, start here and follow the links. Cross-file under Aramaic Watch.
