PALMYRA AS IT ONCE WAS: 3D VIRTUAL RECONSTRUCTION AND VISUALIZATION OF AN IRREPLACABLE LOST TREASURE

Abstract. Palmyra was a mosaic which was composed through its colourful past, by Assyrians, Parthians, Greeks and Romans. For centuries, the spectacular ruins and impressive panorama of the antique city used to captivate and inspire the visitors as the witnesses of its illustrious history. As a grim consequence of the horrific conflict that engulfed Syria, since May 2015 they are no more to be seen. Palmyra has been purposely targeted and obliterated, the ruins have been reduced to rubble. The immense beauty and rich heritage of Palmyra which has been lost forever is reconstructed here as it was once was, at the top of its glory, with the hope of preserving its memory.