Syrian violence threatens ancient treasures

By Suleiman Al-Khalidi

(Reuters) - Syrian museums have locked away thousands of ancient treasures to protect them from looting and violence but one of humanity's greatest cultural heritages remains in grave peril, the archaeologist charged with their protection said.

Crisis in Syria Has Mesopotamian Precedent, Experts Say

Dec. 18, 2012 — Research carried out at the University of Sheffield has revealed intriguing parallels between modern day and Bronze-Age Syria as the Mesopotamian region underwent urban decline, government collapse, and drought.

Syrian Obsidian Discovery Opens New Chapter in Middle Eastern Studies

Sep. 4, 2012 — An archaeologist from the University of Sheffield has revealed the origin and trading routes of razor-sharp stone tools 4,200 years ago in Syria.

Ancient sites and cultural heritage are under threat in Syria due to the current conflict. An interdisciplinary research team hopes this new discovery, which has major implications for understanding the world's first empire, will help to highlight the importance of protecting Syria's heritage.

Archaeologists Uncover Land Before Wheel; Site Untouched for 6,000 Years

Apr. 6, 2010 — A team of archaeologists from the University of Chicago's Oriental Institute, along with a team of Syrian colleagues, is uncovering new clues about a prehistoric society that formed the foundation of urban life in the Middle East prior to invention of the wheel.