An ancient arch of the Temple of Bel that survived Islamic State demolition in the Syrian city of Palmyra will be rebuilt in the UK with the use of the world’s largest 3D printer. The life-sized monument of the Palmyra arch will be placed in Trafalgar Square as a symbol of defiance against terrorism, Sputnik reported, quoting British media. The entrance is the only remaining part of a 2,000-year-old temple that was destroyed by the militant group last August following the seizure of the ancient city of Palmyra. Satellite images show that the arch suffered significant damage, but remained upright. Specialists at the Institute of Digital Archaeology (IDA), prepared a 3D model of the entrance arch composed of dozens of two dimensional pictures. The replica won’t be a precise copy, the new gateway will be crafted with the use of stone powder and a lightweight composite. Roger Michel, the IDA’s executive director said the move is a “political statement” aimed at attracting public attention to ongoing atrocities committed by IS. Currently the copy of the entrance arch is being printed in China and is expected to be moved to Italy for the finishing touches before being installed in London.
