May 7, 2025, 9:09 am
Introducing his latest book, Understanding Syria through 40 Monuments – a Story of Survival, eminent Middle East expert Ross Burns asks how a nation’s archaeological treasures can help explain its history, one as richly complex as Syria’s. In his book, Ross chooses 40 of Syria’s outstanding sites, with over two hundred illustrations, to take the reader through the tangled paths of this crossroads of the eastern Mediterranean.
Given the last 12 years of savage conflict in Syria, Ross reports on the plight of these monuments, addressing the common but unhelpful assumption that much of the country’s archaeological treasures have been destroyed: a better approach is to recognise that Syria’s heritage can play a role in the country’s recovery.
Ross will also comment on the overthrow of the Assad regime in Syria and the prospects under its new government. Commenting on the overthrow in December, he said:
"It has been an astonishing fortnight ending in a dramatic outcome I would never have believed possible. It is wonderful to see Syrians rejoicing on the streets. While there may be many complications to come at least most Syrians have been given a reprieve from the nightmare of the last 13 years".
His book is available through Bloomsbury Press: https://www.bloomsbury.com/au/understanding-syria-through-40-monuments-9780755645299/
Content Creator – Australian Institute of International Affairs
