Photos showing damage affecting Apamea archaeological site

In January 2014, Some cadres of the Department of Antiquities of Hama managed to visit Apamea site and examine the current situation there.

It was evident that the site was subject to violations and theft which affected the largest part of the historical city seeing that thieves of antiquities were digging randomly all over the city and at varying depths.The photos and information received verify the accuracy and validity of the satellite image posted on the DGAM's website and several international websites. The information also shows that digging was started in the cemeteries outside the walls of the city using heavy machinery. Later on, groups of thieves entered the city as a result of the deteriorating security situation in the area, particularly in the eastern area of the city and the main highroad.