Digital reconstruction of the Baalshamin Temple

The 2nd century CE Baalshamin Temple in Palmyra, a unique example of the fusion of Syrian and Roman architecture. It was destroyed by Daesh in August 2015. The project produced an accurate diachronic 3D reconstruction of the temple, integrating scans of architectural elements prepared by Iconem in 2016, with digitized materials from the archives of the Swiss archaeologist Paul Collart who documented the site in the 1930s-60s. The models and other digital materials, available online in open-access format alongside the source materials, will support local and international experts in decision-making for potential physical conservation of the temple. Social activities linked to Syrian tangible and intangible heritage (including embroidery workshops in Syria and Jordan, and exhibitions in Lausanne, Washington, and Dubaï) were also implemented as part of the project. Finally, a tool helping the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural goods from Syria, was developed in partnership with ICOM-Austria and its stakeholders.