Syria's Palmyra Arch to Rise Again: Foundation Confirmed

Russian archaeologists have concluded their study of the monumental arch of Palmyra, confirming its foundation is sufficiently robust for reconstruction. All physical artifacts unearthed during excavations have been returned to Syrian museums, as announced by Andrey Polyakov, head of the Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Only digital models of these findings were transported to St. Petersburg for detailed analysis. The primary focus of the recent excavations was the area surrounding the arch's base to assess the cultural layer and preservation status. This thorough examination aimed to ascertain if the arch could be rebuilt upon its existing foundation, requiring reinforcement, or necessitating a complete rebuild. Fortunately, the foundation proved solid. UNESCO has previously lauded the Russian reconstruction project as a leading example of responding to catastrophic situations. Russian and Syrian specialists collaborated on studying the damaged monuments and developing the restoration plan for the arch, which was destroyed in 2015. The process involved clearing debris, scanning blocks, and creating a virtual model of the arch. Pioneering archaeological studies of the foundation and surrounding cultural layer were also conducted. The restoration efforts were previously paused due to the volatile political climate in Syria. Russian scientists also initiated the creation of a comprehensive 3D model of ancient Palmyra in its current state, accounting for recent destruction.