A Vine tour of the recreated Palmyra Arch in London's Trafalgar Square

The 2000-year-old monument was destroyed by Isis in Syria.
A Vine tour of the recreated Palmyra Arch in London's Trafalgar Square
The replica has been created by experts from Oxford and Harvard. Credit: Getty Images

LONDON -- A monumental replica of the Arch of Triumph in Palmyra, destroyed by The Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria, has been erected in London's Trafalgar Square. 

The scale model of the 2000-year-old arch has been produced by the Institute of Digital Technology from Egyptian marble using 3D technology. 

The six-metre (20 foot) installation, which will be on display at Trafalgar for three days before travelling to New York and Dubai, was made by machines carving the stone to the shape and design of the original arch, based on photographs taken by IDA volunteers at the site.


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Roger Michel, executive director of the IDA told The Guardian: “Monuments -- as embodiments of history, religion, art and science -- are significant and complex repositories of cultural narratives. No one should consider for one second giving terrorists the power to delete such objects from our collective cultural record.

“When history is erased in this fashion, it must be promptly and, of course, thoughtfully restored.”

Here's a Vine tour of the replica arch as it was unveiled in central London on Tuesday.











"Daesh and other terrorist organisations seek to destroy democracy and obliterate history through the appalling acts of terrorism and murder they commit around the world," Mayor of London Boris Johnson said in a statement.

"Antiquities like this belong to all mankind and it is imperative that we all strive to safeguard our common heritage.”

The arch is said to be all that remains of the Temple of Bel in Palmyra, which is considered to be one of the most important religious buildings of the 1st century AD in the Middle East. Satellite imagery revealed that the temple was almost entirely destroyed by ISIS in late August 2015. Founded in AD32, the temple was converted into a Christian church during the Byzantine era, and later into a mosque when Islam arrived in the region.

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