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 Why must zealots tear down the old?

8/24/2015

5 Comments

 
 According to Syrian officials, Islamic State militants have blown up Palmyra's ancient temple of Baalshamin, one of the most important cultural centres of the ancient world. The group has destroyed several ancient sites in the Iraqi city Palmyra, described as being of outstanding universal value and first appearing in 19th century BC.

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Palma, Syria - gl.wikipedia.org
 Although Syria's head of antiquities decried the action on Sunday, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the devastation a month ago.

Residents who had fled from Palmyra claimed IS had planted explosives at the inner temple of the Unesco World Heritage site.

The almost intact temple, built during the Roman era nearly 2,000 years ago, was dedicated to the Phoenician god of storms and fertilising rains. Apparently, some of the artefacts have been hidden away to keep them safe.

 Why do people fighting for a cause destroy all that has gone before?

This wanton destruction saddens me. I'll never see the country, but I like to imagine mankind will preserve ancient buildings to learn from them, and to wonder at the incredible architecture. If we lose contact with our past, the future doesn't seem so secure.

Liken the building's importance to your great-grandmother's wedding ring—a precious jewel of beauty and wonder which gives a sense of continuity in the family. Nobody would smash the ring to prevent others from acquiring the treasure.

I know wanton destruction has happened over countless centuries when a new order of partisans take over a country. But surely people have learned something from the past. I guess not.

Do you think preserving the past is important?

5 Comments
Alana link
8/23/2015 08:28:17 pm

I think preserving the past is vital for us to understand what has gone before and for not repeating the mistakes of the past. What these people are doing makes sense, in a horrific sort of way. They are erasing the past for their own reasons, and do not intend to learn from it - except for the part of the past they have embraced. What they are doing is deliberate and well planned.

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Scott link
8/24/2015 12:48:43 am

I heard last night that another Roman ruin was completely destroyed. Such a tragedy - no one will ever be able to enjoy it again.

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Anamika Agnihotri link
8/24/2015 01:49:45 pm

I cannot say if preserving the past is important or not when the present itself is getting destroyed.

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Barbara Bianchi link
8/25/2015 01:34:15 am

I agree, Francene. There is much to be learned from the past and the treasures that remain.

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Shantala link
8/26/2015 12:55:42 pm

This was really upsetting to read, such senseless destruction. :(

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    Francene Stanley
    From England, I use news items in my novels which you can see below, all linked to an Amazon near you.

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