Aleppo has been continuously inhabited since perhaps the 6th millennium BC. The city owed its longevity to its location on the old Silk Road, though recently - since the inauguration of the Suez Canal in 1869 - Aleppo has fallen from its preeminent height as East-West trade has largely bypassed it.
The Syrian Civil War of 2011 precipitated the devastating Battle of Aleppo (2012), which has caused such terrible destruction to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once proud, ornate buildings have gone the way of time in the blink of an eye.
During the war, the Syrian army used countless barrel bombs and dropped them onto the city from helicopters. These actions have caused thousands of tragic deaths and great waves of evacuations. The conflict's ripples are being felt all over the Middle East, and even Europe.
These images show that Aleppo was once a pleasant and flourishing city. One moved former visitor, when seeing this image, wrote of "one of the friendliest cities I've ever visited. Now, it's an unbelievable tragedy."
I find these images so powerfully touching; provoking grief, pity and even a sense of anger at how such beauty has been overturned in an instant. As one viewer has expressed it: "I never thought I would cry over a building, but this image just has me in tears."
Aleppo's buildings, streets, pavilions and piazzas took many long years to build, and it will take just as many to have them rebuilt once again. However, there is no way that the lives of the civilians can ever be rebuilt.
The Colors of Nature Are Truly Spectacular
Sometimes, those that differ from the crowd shine the brightest, as these unique brightly-colored animals prove.
No Words Other Than "Eye Candy" Can Describe These Photos
Have you ever seen a photo and felt amazed at how satisfied it made you feel? The 20 photos here are no exception. Enjoy these oddly satisfying photos.
These Photos Will Remind You of the True Power of Nature
Modern man thinks he is the master of his world, but nothing could be further from the truth. These photos serve as poignant reminders of the power of nature.
Each of These Photos is Real and Stunning
Our planet is a truly magical place, enjoy this stunning collection of photos of our planet, none of which are Photoshopped!
Life in Turkey’s Istanbul is Pretty Special – 15 Pictures
Istanbul in Turkey is a city of many wonderful contrasts as you will see in these striking pictures.
Have You Seen Such Great Vintage Photos Before?
Vintage photos always leave us with a sense of great nostalgia, and the 25 you're about to see are no exception. Here are 25 of them from times gone by.
What Does the Color of an Egg Yolk Mean? Find Out Here!
Ever wondered what the color of an egg yolk says about the quality of the egg? If so, then wonder no more...
10 Cool Maps That Show How Much Unpopulated Space There Is
These maps will utterly surprise you when you realize just how unevenly the world's population is spread out. Most of the world is quite free of people!
You Won't Believe What This Man Built in His Back Yard...
This man has created something amazing at his home that has immediately become my dream.
This Brilliant Talk Taught Me to Let Go of My Delusions
Isaac Lidksy has had quite an amazing life of success, which he puts down to a stunning realization that blindness gave him. Watch. You won't be disappointed.
Wow! I Had No Idea That Whales Could Show Gratitude!
One whale was so grateful for the man who saved his life, he showed his appreciation - by dancing!
Forgotten Societies: 6 Little-Known Civilizations
These forgotten civilizations influenced the world.
14 Superb Charts That Will Teach You Something Useful!
These 14 charts and maps are here to teach you lots of fun and practical lessons. We can almost guarantee that you’ll find something worth saving and returning to!
This Swiss Brown Ox is a Guinness Record Holder
Meet Tommy, a gigantic Swiss Brown Ox who has registered his name in the Guinness World Records.
You’ll Love Learning New Things With These Awesome Charts
It's time for a brand new collection of fascinating charts and guides.
11 Fun Charts - You’ll Love Learning All This Useful Info!
In these helpful visual guides, we cover such important topics as distinguishing heart attack symptoms in men and women, and how to care for your indoor plants.
These Latin Phrases Will Make You Think About Life
Take note of these beautiful and wise Latin phrases and understand their deep meanings.
13 of Napoleon Bonaparte's Most Famous Quotes
In this post, you'll find 13 of the French Emperor's most famous quotes, as well as more biographical information about the famous conqueror as you scroll down.
Phrases We Use Without Realizing It’s a Shakespeare Quote
William Shakespeare had a huge impact on modern English, so much so that most of us are quoting the great bard every day without even realizing it!
22 Of the Weirdest & Wackiest Facts Most People Don't Know
Did you know that Australia was once known as ‘New Holland’? Discover many such weird but true facts here.
These Ancient Stories Were Lost to the Sands of Time
Even some of the world's greatest stories can be forgotten due to the passage of time. After much digging, we rounded up 10 of the best. Read on!
Monica Lewinsky: I Paid The Price of Shame...
We all connect the name Monica Lewinsky with shame, what is it like being the one at the other end of this story?
Of the Transformative Power of Classical Music...
A fascinating TED talk by Benjamin Zander.
Unusual Jobs of the 20th Century You Never Knew Existed
Which of these obsolete 20th century jobs would you like to do today?
The 10 Most Powerful Regrets People Have at the End
What are the 10 biggest regrets people have at the end of their days? Find out the truth...
12 Beautiful Quotes that'll Make You Smile and Grin
If you want a smile, you've reached the right place...
History Lesson: How Japan Met Europe for the First Time
This video delves into the fascinating story of how the Portuguese and Japanese of the 16th century met, two distinct worlds, exploring the initial contact.
10 Fascinating Facts About Mark Twain’s Life
Without a doubt, there are many things we can admire in Mark Twain & learn from his life. Here are 10 fascinating facts from his biography you likely didn’t know
How Are Men and Women Different? A Few Good Examples
In this series of funny but true pictures, we get a quick tour of some of the major differences between men and women...
This Man Has Taken Refuge in an Airport for 19 Years
Meet Denis Luiz de Souza, a man who, because of unfortunate circumstances, has been living in an airport for about two decades.
These Ancient Greek Inventions Helped Change the World
Take a look at some of important inventions and discoveries of ancient Greece that you might not be aware of.
These Photos Prove: Time & Angle Make All the Difference!
These fascinating comparison photos highlight what a huge difference time angle can make!
These Women Were the First EVER Supermodels in History
Modeling looks like an obvious career path to us now, but it wasn't always so. Who were the first-ever supermodels who paved the way for stars like Cindy Crawford?
Through the Lens of Time: 20 Rare Historical Photos
These amazing historical photos shed light on some rarely-seen events of the past.
Wow! Look at the Size of These Massive Fruits & Veggies!
These massive fruits and vegetables could feed you for an entire year!
When an Ancient Egyptian Tomb Was Opened, This Was Inside
Finding Tutankhamun's tomb was one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in history. These recolored photos capture those incredible days.
10 Food Products You Should Never Freeze
Take note of this list of food products that should be kept far away from the freezer.
If You Have Old Toys Laying Around, You Might Be Rich
If you've got any of these toys from the 1980s laying around, then you might just be sitting on a goldmine!
8 Infamous Crimes That Left a Mark on History
These true crime stories became so sensational that they changed the culture and went to be remembered in history.
7 Must-Read Books That Will Get You Interested in History
These interesting history books will make you look at our world and our past from a different perspective.
Wishing You a GREAT 4th OF JULY! Celebrate America!
Be proud of being an American and share one of these meaningful 4th of July cards with everyone. HAVE A GREAT 4TH OF JULY!
A House Locked Away for a Century. What Was Found Inside?
Sealed for a century, this house was just reopened, and with it a window to another place and time.
14 Positive Stories to Bring Some Cheer Amidst the Gloom
These positive news stories show that there are still things to smile about.
This May Be the Most Amazing Watch Ever Created...
Luxury watch makers Van Cleef & Arpels have created this dazzling creation, showing the planets and our sun while a small comet moves along a track to tell us the time.
10 Mind-Blowing History Facts You Never Knew Were True
This article is a collection of 10 surprising and little-known ancient history facts, some serious, some mysterious, and some just plain odd.
Baby Names That are BANNED Around the World
These 14 names, some bizarre and some fairly ordinary, have been rejected or even outright banned in countries around the world for different reasons.
The Chilling Story of Hungary’s Murderous Blood Countess
Elizabeth Bathory is one of the most feared names in Hungary, with a sadistic streak to rival that of Vlad the Impaler's.