Beyond the battlefield: assessing cultural heritage damage in Tartus, Syria

Despite extensive documentation of conflict-related heritage destruction in Syria, little attention has been paid to areas beyond active combat zones. This study addresses that gap by examining the condition of archaeological sites in the coastal Governorate of Tartus — an understudied region with evidence of occupation from the Palaeolithic to the Medieval period, yet with fewer than 5% of its sites systematically excavated. Through the combined analysis of high-resolution satellite imagery and ground verification, the research identifies key damage drivers: agricultural expansion, urban growth due to war-related displacement, illicit excavations facilitated by governance instability, and earthquake-related impacts. Mechanized ploughing and greenhouse construction emerge as the most widespread threats. The findings underscore the need to integrate remote sensing with field surveys to capture the full scope of heritage degradation and to inform future conservation strategies in Tartus and other overlooked regions of Syria.