Palmyra 'before and after' photos reveal level of Islamic State destruction in Syria's ancient city

The recapturing of the ancient city of Palmyra by Syrian government forces has revealed the extent of the damage wrought by so-called Islamic State on the world heritage site.

The city offered some of the world's most extensive and best-preserved ancient Roman ruins before falling under jihadist control in May last year.

IS fighters released a series of photos celebrating the destruction of the irreplaceable monuments and damage to museum artifacts before being ousted last month by Syrian and Russian troops.

Syria's antiquities director is now appealing for experts around the world to descend on Palmyra to help them pick up the pieces of history.

The following photos show the sites before and after jihadists destroyed 2,000 years of history:

  • Temple of Bel

BEFORE: The 2,000-year-old Temple of Bel seen in August 2010. Credit: Reuters
AFTER: The walls of the Roman-era structure are now rubble in the central desert city.

  • Arch of Triumph

BEFORE: The monumental Arch of Triumph was a recognisable part of the ancient temple city preserved through two millenia.
AFTER: The arch towers remain but the connecting blocks that united them were destroyed by Islamic State.

  • Colonnade

BEFORE: Dozens of columns in Palmyra's colonnade stood connected by blocks.
AFTER: The colonnade, seen from the other side, is no longer connected while several towers have been cut down.

  • Statue of Athena

BEFORE: The statue of Athena, the Greek goddess of peace and war, stood on display at Palmyra's national museum showing very little signs of damage across the centuries. Credit: Reuters
AFTER: The same statue of Athena, seen here at the end of the hallway, now stands with its arm and head missing. Credit: Reuters