Temple of Bel at Palmyra

An old temple known as the "Temple of Baal" was situated near Palmyra, Syria. The temple, which was constructed in AD 32 and served as the focal point of Palmyra's religious activity, was dedicated to the Mesopotamian god Bel, who was worshiped there in triad with the lunar god Aglibol and the sun god Yarhibol. The temple would have been shut down between May 25, 385, and March 19, 388, during Maternus Cynegius' campaign against the Eastern temples, which was part of the late Roman Empire's persecution of pagans.

In the ancient city of Palmyra, the Temple of Bel was a significant place of worship. The temple was dedicated to the Mesopotamian god Bel when it was constructed in the first century (or Baal). A Roman aqueduct, more than 500 graves, and more than 1,000 columns were all present at the site.

The approximately 2,000-year-old temple was destroyed by the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, in 2015. The Temple of Baalshamin, another historic temple in Palmyra, was destroyed prior to the siege.

• Country: Syria