During the Israeli bombardment in the war on Lebanon, which began on October 1, 2024, the city of Tyre — including its ancient buildings — came under attack.
Questions naturally arise about the extent of the damage caused by the massive destruction across the ancient city. Tyre’s heritage is not limited to its visible landmarks, but also includes the treasures still buried beneath its soil — relics yet to be uncovered in a land crossed by countless civilizations.
Appeals have condemned the devastation that struck the city, prompting concerns over the reality of safeguarding Tyre’s archaeological sites. This is especially relevant given the enhanced international protection Tyre enjoys. What measures is Lebanon taking to uphold this protection? The city’s archaeological sites cover more than 500,000 square meters, with its history stretching back to the third millennium BC.
Many sites bear witness to the legacies of multiple civilizations, such as the grand Roman hippodrome, capable of seating thousands of spectators; the triumphal arch, built from sandstone with carved columns and two large towers; and numerous buildings notable for their architectural character, including Tyre’s cathedral, built by the Crusaders.
Landmarks steeped in the depths of history
Tyre is home to a wealth of archaeological landmarks of great historical significance, each reflecting the civilizations that once thrived there. In an interview with Sillat Wasl, Dr. Rony Khalil, professor of history and international relations at the Lebanese University, said:
“It was from the city of Tyre that Elissa and her legend emerged. Tyre once stood as a model of city-states, boasting a sea castle, stadiums, and other Roman ruins, alongside its rich Phoenician heritage”.
The archaeological sites of Tyre span more than 500,000 square meters, with the city’s history reaching back to the third millennium BC.
Dr. Khalil highlighted the presence of the hippodrome, one of the most prominent Roman landmarks, and listed some of the city’s treasures: mosaic-paved streets, public baths, and sports arenas that once hosted fencing matches and horse races. Along the coast lie remains such as the triumphal arch and the horse-racing grounds, alongside Byzantine, Ottoman, and Islamic relics.
He added: “Tyre is a cosmopolitan city, home to historical religious landmarks from both Islamic and Christian traditions. Today, it is a major tourist destination thanks to its location, its clean shoreline, bustling marketplace, natural reserve, and the warm hospitality of its people.”
According to Dr. Khalil, Lebanon’s coastline has undergone geological and geographical changes due to tectonic shifts, earthquakes, and tidal variations. These factors have damaged or buried parts of the city’s heritage, some of which remain underground. Studies suggest that the Lebanese coast was a hub of civilization during the Phoenician era and beyond, with archaeological layers still hidden beneath the soil. Excavations often reveal mosaics, murals, and other artifacts that testify to this history.
Damage Above and Below Ground
“There has been no comprehensive survey yet, as we are still emerging from the war. The damage is not limited to what was directly destroyed — even nearby collapsed buildings can destabilize an entire archaeological structure,” Khalil explained. He also noted that some artifacts and pottery were lost, shattered, or otherwise damaged during the conflict.
Impact of These Substances on Archaeological Structures
In an interview with Sillat Wassell, Dr. Najat Saliba Aoun, a member of the Lebanese Parliament and a specialist in analytical chemistry and atmospheric chemistry, said:
“The emissions in the air and the black smoke resulting from the bombardment produced what is known as nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂). When present in large quantities, they affect rainfall and make it acidic, which dissolves ancient stones and alters their features.”
Saliba added that the black smoke and fires during the war created large and dangerous emissions, but since these emissions did not last for a long time, we cannot say they will have a major impact.
There is still no comprehensive survey, and the damage is not limited to what has been destroyed — the surrounding environment may also affect archaeological buildings.
In this context, Dr. Tony Nemer, an expert in geology and earthquakes, told Sillat Wasl that vibrations, when very close to fault lines, can affect them, especially if they are violent — as happened in South Lebanon on October 26, when massive explosions in the Adaisseh area were followed by tremors caused by the blasts.
Regarding tectonic movement and its impact on archaeological buildings, Nemer confirmed that the movement of plates along faults causes tremors and earthquakes, which affect all buildings, ancient and non-ancient alike.
As for the impact of these vibrations on underground antiquities, Nemer reiterated that, in principle, fault movement has no effect unless the fault passes directly through the location of the antiquities at the moment of the earthquake — in which case the artifacts would break along with the ground. If they are far from the fault line and the ground shifts, the resulting seismic waves do not affect them, since they are already buried, and this burial offers protection.
International Legal Protection for Archaeological Sites
Many archaeological sites, including those in Tyre, have been listed among the cultural properties granted enhanced protection as part of the world’s heritage. Under the 1954 Hague Convention and its subsequent protocols, this status entails technical and financial assistance to strengthen protection measures on the ground, as well as steps taken to implement them.
The archaeological sites in Tyre have been included in the list of cultural properties under enhanced protection as part of world heritage.
Dr. Saeed Malik, a constitutional and legal expert, told Sillat Wassell: “It is certain and undisputed that archaeological sites are protected under international humanitarian law, as well as under the memorandum between the Red Cross and UNESCO, the Hague Convention and its First and Second Protocols. They are also mentioned in Article 53 of Additional Protocol I to the 1977 Geneva Conventions, Article 16 of Additional Protocol II, and Article 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.”
What steps can be taken in the event of an attack on archaeological landmarks?
Dr. Malik explains that a formal complaint can be filed through the relevant diplomatic channels, starting with a government decision communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which would then submit the complaint to UNESCO. Such a complaint may be presented to the Red Cross or UNESCO and referred to the UN Security Council, where the perpetrators can be prosecuted and brought before the International Criminal Court to face appropriate penalties.
Lebanon’s Responsibilities and Actions
Based on the causal link between the act and the damage — and the responsibility to provide compensation — Dr. Malik notes that if damage is inflicted on any archaeological building as a result of an attack, and this damage is discovered later, the perpetrator is liable for both current and future damages. If a negative relationship between the act and the damage is established, the court handling the case must take the necessary measures and impose penalties on the offender.
Steps Taken by Lebanon to Protect Antiquities After the War
Dr. Najat Saliba and MP Melhem Khalaf sent a letter to UNESCO requesting an extraordinary meeting. This meeting was held on November 18, 2024, to pressure the international community to prevent Israel from targeting archaeological sites, stressing that these sites are not the property of a single state but of all humanity. Saliba added: “This letter was supported by the signatures of 100 members of Parliament, leading UNESCO in its extraordinary session to approve the protection of archaeological sites in Lebanon.”
Saliba stressed that she continues to follow up on the matter with Costanza Farina, UNESCO’s Regional Director for the Middle East, whose office is based in Lebanon and who conducts site visits to assess the extent of the damage. Necessary measures will then be taken to preserve what remains of these antiquities and restore those that have been damaged.
Dr. Malik stated: “This complaint is not limited to the government, and the request, as submitted, is entirely valid. It enables UNESCO to take immediate action based on this notification.”
Finally, the question remains as to whether there are studies, plans, or research concerning the presence of antiquities buried underground — efforts that are essential to protect them from potential harm, given that they are part of humanity’s heritage and must be sought out and preserved.
