Nimrud: Outcry as ISIS bulldozers attack ancient Iraq site

BBC News ^ | 3/6/15 | BBC

[ek_hornbeck]

Archaeologists and officials have expressed outrage about the bulldozing of the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud by Islamic State militants in Iraq.

IS began demolishing the site, which was founded in the 13th Century BC, on Thursday, according to Iraqi officials.

The head of the UN's cultural agency condemned the "systematic" destruction in Iraq as a "war crime".

IS, which controls large areas of Iraq and Syria, says shrines and statues are "false idols" that have to be smashed.

"They are erasing our history," said Iraqi archaeologist Lamia al-Gailani.

[grania]

You've got me thinking. Is Christianity going into a period of Dark Ages? Our excuse for a popular culture is in the toilet, education no longer celebrates the free spirit and independent thinking, moral values are disintegrating even in our religious and governmental structures, and death and disruptions from disease, slaughter (including abortion) and weather/climate factors are substantial. The unrestricted flow of hostile populations destroys almost everything in its path.

Pockets of civilization will remain, but so much could be lost because technology is not a real good way to preserve knowledge for the ages.

End of philosophical meandering... <^..^>

[SaraJohnson]

Blow up Mecca and blame it on Isis. Two birds with one stone.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks ek_hornbeck.