Body of archaeologist who defied ISIS is found in desert

The body of an archaeologist at the classical ruins of Palmyra, who was beheaded by ISIS in 2015, is believed to have been found.

A drawing of Syrian archaeologist Khaled al-Asaad at Palmyra Museum. Picture: AFP

The body of the leading archaeologist at the classical ruins of Palmyra, who was beheaded by Islamic State in 2015, is believed to have been found.

Khaled al-Asaad, 83, was killed after refusing to reveal the location of hidden treasures from the UNESCO World Heritage site. He had decided to remain in Palmyra, where he had been head of antiquities until his retirement in 2003, as ISIS swept in. “I will stay here even if they kill me,” he said.

Syrian state media said three bodies had been found in the desert 10km east of Palmyra. DNA tests are under way to confirm their identities.

Asaad had worked with ­archaeologists around the world to excavate the site, which was at its apogee in the 2nd to 3rd centuries, and preserve its Temple of Bel. ISIS blew up key parts of the ruins, including the temple. After beheading Asaad in the square at Tadmor, ISIS displayed his body with a sign calling him Palmyra’s director of idolatry.

The Times