Palmyra, Homs, Syria
This ancient city, which was built in the third millennium BC, combines Greco-Roman, Persian and Arabian architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, among its ruins are the Temple of Bel, the Great Colonnade, Damascus Gate and a Roman amphitheater. But tragedy hit in 2015, when the site was captured and partially destroyed by Isis.
Between 2015 and 2017, the militants rampaged and blew up parts of the ancient city, including the Temple of Bel and the Arch of Victory. While it may no longer contain some of its original features, humanity can continue to be inspired by its history, as UNESCO has funded renovations and the site is set to reopen later this year.
