Modern technology and ancient Roman architecture came together when the digitally-created reconstruction of the two-thousand year old Arch of Triumph of Palmyra was unveiled in Trafalgar Square in London before the arch is displayed in different locations around the world and then, all being well, placed near the ruins of the original arch which was destroyed during the war in Syria.  

Made from Egyptian marble, the 5.5m-high replica, two-thirds of the size of the original, was created by the Oxford-based Institute of Digital Technology (IDA) using 3D technology based on photographs of the original arch to cut and carve the stones to the shape and design of the original arch, including weathering, decay and damage to the stones.

At London Bridge, in the gardens of the Guy’s campus of King’s College London, stands a similar large stone arch as a memorial to staff and students who have died in war.   The reconstructed arch of Palmyra would stand not just to celebrate the historic architecture of Syria, but also as a memorial to those who lost their lives protecting the city and its historic monuments.