Palmyra's 2000-year-old 'Triumphal Arch' recreated in London

The replica of Palmyra's 2000-year-old 'Triumphal Arch' has been installed in Trafalgar Square for the next three-days Credit: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

A replica of Palmyra's 2000-year-old 'Triumphal Arch' has appeared in London as part of a new art installation in Trafalgar Square.

The reconstruction of the original stone arch, which was destroyed by so-called Islamic State in Syria, has been created as a two-thirds marble scale model using 3D modelling.

It is part of a campaign to help raise awareness of the importance of historic sites and antiquities as part of World Heritage Week and will remain in place at the centre of Trafalgar Square for the next three days before going on a world tour.

After the replica arch has been on view in Londoin and around the world it will be found a permanent home near to the original destroyed monument it was modeled on Credit: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

The original arch that the ghostly replica is based on was built by the Romans and had stood proudly in place in Palmyra, along with a vast complex of other ancient ruins, for more than two millennia before it was destroyed amid fighting in the city.

Palmyra was first overrun by IS militants in May last year and recaptured at the end of March but by that time many relics had already been destroyed.

The original arch was destroyed by so-called Islamic State Credit: REUTERS/Sandra Auger