With the news that there was a marble replica that would be in display in London for three days, I had of course to go and look for myself.
I visited the historical site myself in May 2009 and you can see the replica and the original photographed by me below.
This is how the BBC reported the news: A replica of a Syrian monument, two millennia old and destroyed by so-called Islamic State in Syria, has been erected in London’s Trafalgar Square.
The scale model of the Arch of Triumph has been made from Egyptian marble by the Institute of Digital Archaeology (IDA) using 3D technology, based on photographs of the original arch.
It will travel to cities around the world after leaving London.
Syria’s director of antiquities said it was an “action of solidarity”.
Unveiling the structure, London Mayor Boris Johnson said the replica was an arch of “technology and determination”.
He told spectators they were gathered “in defiance of the barbarians” who destroyed the arch in the city, north-east of the Syrian capital Damascus, last year.
‘Common heritage’
The original arch was built by the Romans.
The two-thirds scale model will be on display at Trafalgar Square for three days before moving to other locations around the world, including New York and Dubai.
It is intended that it will then be taken to Palmyra next year, to find a permanent home near the original arch, said Roger Michel, executive director of the Oxford-based IDA.
“It is a message of raising awareness in the world,” said Maamoun Abdulkarim, Syria’s director of antiquities who was in London to watch the replica being installed.
“We have common heritage. Our heritage is universal – it is not just for Syrian people.”
A Nighttime View Of The Original
A real shame that it is gone but I try to remain objective about such issues. Consider the destruction of the English reformation and the dissolution of the monasteries or the Spanish reconquest and the loss of grand mosques which puts such things into a bit of perspective.
great post
Is there any point to the London thing though?
A good question. I think it is just proving that it can be done from digital images and there may be occasions where it is useful but I can see it used more in Vegas or by Disney!
yep
Extraordinary views…