Understanding the Form and Timing of Damage to Archaeological Sites During the Syrian Conflict by Combining Evidence From Remote Sensing With Ground Observation

ABSTRACT Satellite remote sensing is used widely to monitor damage to archaeological sites in conflict areas, including in Syria. On‐the‐ground assessments have been fewer in number, and the degree to which remote sensing assessments reflect what is happening on the ground has not been extensively tested. Using data from 19 archaeological sites in northwest Syria, we present a case study comparing the strengths of satellite remote sensing and ground observation for assessing site condition. The temporal patterning of different types of damage is also compared to other studies and discussed in terms of a local understanding of political events.