Danger Looms Over Baalbek’s Ancient Treasures Amid Ongoing Conflict

Archaeologists express grave concerns over the safety of ancient sites like the Roman temples in Baalbek and Tyre as Israel’s military strikes continue near these culturally significant areas. While no direct damage has been reported yet, fears grow that military operations could inadvertently harm these irreplaceable ruins, which are vital to Lebanon's heritage.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated dramatically, putting the country’s rich archaeological heritage, particularly in Baalbek, in jeopardy. The Roman temples in this region, some of the finest examples of Roman architecture, are situated alarmingly close to recent Israeli air strikes. On Wednesday, a nearby car park was hit, along with the destruction of a centuries-old Ottoman building, raising alarms about the potential for catastrophic damage to UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Archaeology professor Graham Philip from Durham University has made it clear how irreplaceable Baalbek is. “You couldn’t replace it if someone bombed it. It would be a huge loss. It would be a crime,” he stated. Since the escalation of conflict that intensified at the end of September, Israel has conducted thousands of air strikes, focusing on areas in southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut, but now it seems to encroach on historically significant territories like Baalbek and Tyre.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) maintain that they are only targeting military assets. However, their short distance from these ancient ruins raises serious concerns. On October 23, evacuation orders were given for neighborhoods near Baalbek's famed Roman structures as strikes were initiated in the vicinity, leading local residents, sometimes seeking refuge from attacks, to congregate near the temples in a misleading belief of safety.

Local archaeologist Joanne Farchakh Bajjaly emphasized the absurdity of this situation, noting the inseparability of military actions from potential cultural devastation. Both she and Philip highlighted the irony of such military operations occurring so close to sites that are recognized globally as treasures of humanity.

Despite the lack of confirmed damage to the sites thus far, Bajjaly and Philip share worries rooted in past conflicts, notably in Gaza, where military actions have severely harmed numerous cultural heritage sites. Philip indicates that while Israel aims to minimize damage, the unpredictable nature of warfare means some strikes could inadvertently disrupt these historical artifacts.

The consequences of the ongoing conflict extend beyond immediate military objectives; they threaten the heart of Lebanese identity, with these ancient structures seen as vital connectors to history and culture. As the situation evolves, the call for safeguarding Lebanon's rich archaeological legacy becomes increasingly urgent amid the chaos of war.