Palmyra's Temple of Bel destroyed by ISIS militants: UN

Palmyra's Temple of Bel: The temple consecrated to the Mesopotamian god Bel

Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants destroyed 2000-year old Palmyra's ancient Temple of Bel in Syria on 30 August 2015. The United Nations in its report said that the news of destruction was confirmed through the satellite images.

As per the reports, the militant group partially demolished the temple by explosives. The explosion caused much damage to the temple. Temple of Bel in Palmyra was under the control of ISIS militants.

Temple of Bel

• It was an ancient stone ruin located in Palmyra, Syria.
• The temple, consecrated to the Mesopotamian god Bel, worshipped at Palmyra in triad with the lunar god Aglibol and the sun god Yarhibol, formed the center of religious life in Palmyra and was dedicated in 32 BC.
• The walls of the temenos and propylaea were constructed in the late first and the first half of the second century AD.
• Its ruins were considered among the best preserved at Palmyra.
• It was an UNESCO World Heritage site
• Site contains monumental ruins of great city, once one of the most important cultural centres of the ancient world

Now get latest Current Affairs on mobile, Download # 1  Current Affairs App