Calls for greater law enforcement efforts to fight antiquities trafficking have been growing ever since ISIS’ profiteering from the trade in looted antiquities became public knowledge in 2014. Two years later, concrete steps are finally being taken.
Author Archives: Christopher Jones
My name is Christopher Jones. I am a Ph.D student in ancient Near Eastern history at Columbia University in New York. My primary research interests focus on the Neo-Assyrian Empire, especially the organization and structure of the Assyrian government and military.
Previously, I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2011 with a B.A. in Peace, War & Defense and Ancient & Medieval History, and a minor in Archaeology. I then graduated from Wheaton College in 2014 with an M.A. in Biblical Archaeology.
Posted inArt
Another Treasure Lost in Iraq: The Story of Mar Behnam Monastery
Among the most tragic losses of the many antiquities destroyed in Iraq by ISIS has been the destruction of Iraq’s seriously understudied medieval architecture.
Posted inArt
In Battle Against ISIS, Saving Lives or Ancient Artifacts
Last week’s stunning video of the destruction of the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is likely to renew calls for drastic action to save Iraq’s antiquities before they are lost forever.
Posted inArt
What ISIS Destroys, Why, and Why We Must Document It
The destruction at the Mosul Museum raises questions about why certain items were destroyed, while others were spared.