New framework stresses return principle but some fear that traffickers in illicit objects could abuse it

Iraqi archaeologists to be trained in reconstruction of heritage sites under scheme funded by £3m government grant

Syrian antiquities head confirms destruction of ancient Roman archway

Complexity of Syrian war and rise of Isil underpin muted response to ongoing destruction of ancient site

French naval officer Louis Vignes took images of Beirut, Lebanon and Syria in 1864

Unique insight into the destruction at Palmyra from the last US archaeologist to leave the site

Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi appeared at the International Criminal Court this week in connection to 2012 attacks on Timbuktu

Saudi Artist Ahmed Mater has captured the rampant redevelopment around the Islamic holy place

Second building reduced to rubble by extremists controlling ancient site in Syria

Amid destruction and murder, it is difficult to know the extent of the terrorist group’s antiquities trafficking

Exhibitions focus on more subtle ways artists were influenced by Hurricane Katrina

Ten years after hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, we asked artists and curators to describe what they see as the defining image of the storm and its aftermath

Bombing, reported yesterday, may have happened a month ago

Flags were flown at half-mast around the country and heritage experts shared their outrage

Frescoes recently found in the church may date back to the sixth century, which would make them the oldest Christian paintings in the country

Syria's antiquities ministry condemns killing as "cowardly and criminal act of appalling brutality"

Ancient sites were targeted by extremist groups

First confirmed damage by extremist group to historic site in Syria

Commitment to protect cultural property during periods of armed conflict comes after destruction of antiquities in Syria and Iraq by Islamic State

Malina Suliman taught young people how to spray-paint in Kabul

Suicide bomber among those killed after failed assault outside popular tourist site

New publication includes cuneiform tablets, cylinder seals, Assyrian reliefs and coins

The country’s monasteries and mosques have no place in the Caliphate

Prime minister appeals for $2bn after historic squares are reduced to rubble and ancient temples are damaged in deadly disaster

Following similar fund for scholars, Institute of International Education with funding from Mellon Foundation launch project to aid persecuted artists and performers

A new film looks at Mes Aynak, an archaeological treasure that may soon be buried