Temple of Bel

In partnership with the DGAM (the Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums of Syria), the ICONEM’s team has been the first one to be in Palmyra since Daesh’s departure, on March 27 2016. New phase of the major project « Syrian Heritage », this mission has been an opportunity to give a clear picture of the damages suffered by the « pearl of the desert », and more specifically by the Temple of Bel. Thus, Yves Ubelmann, ICONEM’s founder and DGAM specialists have been working hard under the blazing sun of Palmyra, to make the surveys necessary to the documentation of the site.

The digitalized 3D model allows us to observe the existence of stone blocs remaining almost intact. For instance, one column, the stone blocs of which are lying on the ground but are in good condition, stays in good condition. However we can also see, thanks to the precision of the model, that entire blocs have been fractured. The rigorous study will lead to an estimate of the amount of remains in good condition.

This thorough work will serve as documentary resources for analyses and future expertises led by DGAM specialists, UNESCO support and world wide experts. ICONEM’s support in Palmyra has been found essential in order to document the appearance and state of the site right after ISIL departure, which is going to be helpful to the scientific community.
The Temple of Bel is indeed one of Palmyra’s main building. Dedicated in 32 AD and consecrated to the protective divinity of Palmyra, the Mesopotamian god Bel, the Temple of Bel was before its destruction one of the best preserved antique temples of Syria and testifies this rich caravan civilization.
Today, only its main entrance – here represented as a 3D model – is still standing as a symbole of Palmyra’s revival.