IS 'erasing history' in Nimrud, Iraq

Archaeologists and cultural officials have expressed heartbreak and outrage about the bulldozing of the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud in Iraq. Islamic State militants began demolishing the site on Thursday, Iraqi officials said. The UN cultural body's Iraq director, Alex Plathe, called it "another appalling attack on Iraq's heritage". "They are erasing our history," Iraqi archaeologist Dr Lamia al-Gailani told the BBC. IS says ancient shrines and statues are "false idols" that have to be smashed.   more