Palmyra historical arch recreated in London

A replica of a Syrian monument, two millennia old and destroyed by so-called Islamic State in Syria, has been erected in Trafalgar Square.

The scale model of the Arch of Triumph has been made from Egyptian marble by the Institute of Digital Archaeology (IDA) using 3D technology, based on photographs of the original arch.

It will travel to cities around the world after leaving London.

Syria's director of antiquities said it was an "action of solidarity".

The arch was built by the Romans.

The two-thirds scale model will be on display at Trafalgar Square for three days before then going on display at other locations around the world, including New York and Dubai.

It is intended that it will then be taken to Palmyra next year, to find a permanent home near the original arch, said the IDA's executive director Roger Michel.

"It is a message of raising awareness in the world," said Maamoun Abdulkarim, Syria's director of antiquities who was in London to watch the replica being installed.

"We have common heritage. Our heritage is universal - it is not just for Syrian people."

Palmyra, and its complex of ancient ruins, was recaptured at the end of March, having been overrun by IS militants in May last year.

At least 280 people were executed during their occupation of the city, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group.

Mr Abdulkarim, who visited Palmyra a week after its liberation from the Islamic State group, also known as IS, Isis and Daesh, said about 80% of the ancient monuments remain.

He stresses that the purpose of the project is restoration, using the new technology and the remains of the site to rebuild the ancient monuments, rather than creating them afresh.

"We can never have the same image as before Isis," he said. "We are trying to be realistic.

"But what we want to do is respect the scientific method and the identity of Palmyra as a historic site."

Mr Michel said that when Palmyra was attacked, he decided the IDA's Million Images Database project - which distributes 3D cameras to volunteers in countries including Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq - could take action.

"It is extraordinary to have a vision about something and see it come together in such a palpable way," he said.

The 5.5m-high replica was made by machines carving the stone to the exact shape and design of the original arch, based on 3D photographs.