What Is Lost With ISIS’s Destruction of Syria’s Temple of Bel

[bkepley]

Lucy Westcott
Newsweek

The United Nations has confirmed the destruction of the Temple of Bel, a historically significant structure in the ISIS-controlled city of Palmyra, Syria, and the latest ancient architectural site demolished by the terrorist group.

The U.N.’s educational, scientific and cultural agency (UNESCO) on Tuesday called the temple’s destruction “an intolerable crime against civilization” and a “war crime." The destruction of the temple, dedicated to the Semitic god Bel, is particularly devastating due to its unique architectural design and central role in Palmyra, the 2,000-year-old city that grew from a caravan stop to a metropolis and linked the Roman Empire with India, Persia and China.

“The citizens of Palmyra used that wealth to build great architecture, much of which has survived to the present day,” Tess Davis, executive director of Antiquities Coalition, tells Newsweek. “The Temple of Bel really represents the pinnacle of that artistic achievement.”
...
The significance of the Temple of Bel, which was dedicated in April 32 A.D., lies in its architecture. The layout of the temple is unique, as it subverted stereotypical temple design: Instead of having one focal point at the front of the structure, the Temple of Bel had two focal ends, both containing statues. The temple is also unique as its main entrance was built off the side instead of located at the front, says Grout.
http://www.newsweek.com/what-lost-isiss-destruction-syrias-temple-bel-367721

Pictures of what was the temple at the site.