Conservation of the Arch of Ctesiphon, Iraq - in pictures
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Scaffolding at the ancient Arch of Ctesiphon, also known as Taq Kisra, at near modern Al Madain in central Iraq. All photos: AFP -
The archaeological site is having restoration work to conserve the 1,500-year-old arch. -
The Arch of Ctesiphon houses the remnants of the former capital of the Persian Sassanid Empire until the Muslim Arab conquest in the 7th century AD. -
The structure is said to be the largest single-span vault of unreinforced brickwork in the world. -
A crack in the masonry of the Arch of Ctesiphon. -
The restoration work is part of efforts to return it to its former glory. -
The monument is the last structure still standing from the ancient Persian imperial capital Ctesiphon. -
Construction of the arch began in AD 540 during the Sassanid dynasty's long wars with the Byzantine Empire. -
It is 37 metres tall and 48 metres long. -
Conservation workers stand on the scaffolding at the Arch of Ctesiphon. -
View from under the arch. -
Birds fly over the Arch of Ctesiphon.
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