For the first time since the start of Syria's civil war, the Damascus National Museum is displaying a range of ancient artefacts rescued from the bombs, smugglers and Islamic State.
Carved figures, pediments and pottery from around Syria, including Palmyra, the site ransacked by IS fighters, can be seen at the museum in the capital Damascus.
“Around 100 relics of different forms, different periods and different Syrian cities were saved in different ways, whether by Syrian police and customs, or by saving them from Daesh in Deir al-Zor and Palmyra,” said Mamoun Abdul Karim, head of Syrian antiquities.
Among the 100 exhibits are pieces captured before they could be smuggled out of the country, two statues that were sent to Italy to be restored after they were damaged by IS and a statue moved to Damascus before Islamic State took Palmyra.
REUTERS
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