Syrian civil war damaging ancient buildings from humanity's earliest civilisations says UN
Historic sites in Syria have been damaged in the ongoing civil war. (Getty) Getty
The UN has warned historic sites stretching back to the dawn of civilisation have been damaged in the ongoing conflict in Syria.
A new report from UNITAR, the organisation's training and research sector, says satellite imagery shows 290 historical sites have been damaged in the civil war, which has been running for three years.
The report said the findings were "alarming".
"National and international efforts for the protection of these areas need to be scaled up in order to save as much as possible of this important heritage (for) humankind," it read.
Both sides in the Syrian conflict have made use of ancient fortifications including Crusader castles, while looters have damaged even older buildings such as temples dating back to the Roman Empire.
Syrian civilisation dates back to before human history.
It is believed to be one of the earliest locations farming developed.
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