New York Times – Cultural organizations have been working to create precise three-dimensional digital models of the threatened heritage monuments in Palmyra, Syria, in case the originals are damaged beyond repair. Near the marble quarries of Carrara, Italy, robots, like the one in the video above, are using the models to carve a 20-foot-high scale reproduction of one of Palmyra’s most famous ancient monuments: a Roman triumphal arch that Islamic State militants razed last year. When finished next month, the 12-ton replica is to be temporarily installed at Trafalgar Square in London, with plans to bring it to New York later in the year. But the recent ouster of Islamic State militants from Palmyra has raised hopes among the organizations of pursuing an even more ambitious rebuilding agenda…The Romans built the original triumphal arch in the second century to celebrate a victory over the Persians.”

• Also via NYT see Why ISIS Destroyed Only Some Ancient Treasures – “As it expanded, the Islamic State destroyed many archaeological sites, looting them for profit and damaging some for propaganda.”
• See also Photos reveal the treasures lost at the Palmyra Museum during Islamic State’s 10-month reign