Looted communities: the local contexts of illicit excavations at Dura-Europos in Syria

Throughout the Syrian conflict (2011–2024), cultural heritage was both a deliberate target and an incidental casualty. Damage to the complicated relationships between communities and local and regional heritage has a much longer lineage. This article draws on oral histories conducted during the recent conflict to explore the relationship between the major archaeological site of Dura-Europos and local communities and stakeholders. It argues that some foreign-led excavations have had negative impacts upon Middle Eastern communities and their relationships with heritage, and that historic and ongoing community relationships to archaeological heritage need to be considered with increased attention and care.