This book (published in 2019) presents the very particular story of an archaeological site in Syria during the recent eight years of war. The ancient city of Urkesh, today Tell Mozan, in northeastern Syria, became a centre of activities that developed around the archaeological site, a strong and unexpected synergy between a variety of communities and social groups.

In strong contrast with the destructive violence of war and the intentional and perverted iconoclastic fury of ISIS, Urkesh has emerged as a source of hope and a reason for pride for the people who live in the area. It became a symbol of the new sensitivity that archaeology as a discipline is developing–a sensitivity towards the value of the land as a shared element betweenthe ancients and the people who live there today.

Colour illustrations throughout.