Conservation of the Arch of Ctesiphon, Iraq - in pictures

  • Scaffolding at the ancient Arch of Ctesiphon, also known as Taq Kisra, at near modern Al Madain in central Iraq. All photos: AFP
    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 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 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.
    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.
    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 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.
    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.
    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.
    It is 37 metres tall and 48 metres long.
  • Conservation workers stand on the scaffolding at the Arch of Ctesiphon.
    Conservation workers stand on the scaffolding at the Arch of Ctesiphon.
  • View from under the arch.
    View from under the arch.
  • Birds fly over the Arch of Ctesiphon.
    Birds fly over the Arch of Ctesiphon.