Satellite Study Shows Massive Looting of Syria’s Archaeological Heritage

A team from Dartmouth College analysed satellite imagery of 200 archaeological sites across Syria, comparing damage from 2011‑2016 with that from 2015‑2025. The study found that looting and destruction rose sharply, with 59 % of sites damaged in the later period versus 13 % earlier. Damage was classified into traditional looting, mechanised looting with bulldozers, militarisation (e.g., trenches and fortifications) and construction of temporary settlements.

The most affected locations include the UNESCO‑listed ruins of Palmyra, the Hellenistic city of Apamea, the ancient city of Mari and the Iron‑Age temple complex at Ain Dara. Mechanised looting was especially prevalent in areas occupied by Turkish‑backed forces, where heavy equipment was used to clear sites. Lead author Professor Jesse Casana called the findings “deeply troubling” and warned that the loss threatens both Syrian cultural heritage and global understanding of ancient civilizations.