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Lightning Damages Rome’s Ancient Constantine Arch During Violent Thunderstorm 

The damaged part of Constantine's Arch is seen after lightning struck it during a storm in Rome, Italy September 3, 2024. (Reuters)
The damaged part of Constantine's Arch is seen after lightning struck it during a storm in Rome, Italy September 3, 2024. (Reuters)
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Lightning Damages Rome’s Ancient Constantine Arch During Violent Thunderstorm 

The damaged part of Constantine's Arch is seen after lightning struck it during a storm in Rome, Italy September 3, 2024. (Reuters)
The damaged part of Constantine's Arch is seen after lightning struck it during a storm in Rome, Italy September 3, 2024. (Reuters)

Lightning struck Rome's Constantine Arch near the Colosseum during a violent thunderstorm, loosening fragments from the ancient structure.

The fragments from Tuesday's lightning strike were immediately gathered and secured by workers at the Colosseum Archeological Park, officials said. The extent of the damage was being evaluated.

“The recovery work by technicians was timely. Our workers arrived immediately after the lightning strike. All of the fragments were recovered and secured,” the park said in a statement.

The lightning occurred during a storm that felled trees and flooded streets in the Italian capital.

The honorary arch, more than 20 meters (nearly 70 feet) in height, was erected in 315 A.D. to celebrate the victory of Emperor Constantine over Maxentius following the battle at Milvian Bridge.

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Greek Prime Minister Visits AlUla's Archaeological Sites

The Greek prime minister explored on Monday some of the most prominent landmarks and archaeological sites in AlUla. SPA
The Greek prime minister explored on Monday some of the most prominent landmarks and archaeological sites in AlUla. SPA
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Greek Prime Minister Visits AlUla's Archaeological Sites

The Greek prime minister explored on Monday some of the most prominent landmarks and archaeological sites in AlUla. SPA
The Greek prime minister explored on Monday some of the most prominent landmarks and archaeological sites in AlUla. SPA

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has visited Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra, in AlUla Governorate.
The PM explored on Monday some of the most prominent landmarks and archaeological sites, which date back thousands of years and were constructed over various historical periods.
The prime minister was accompanied on his visit by Governor of the Madinah Region Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Kassabi and Executive Director of the Royal Commission for AlUla Amr AlMadani, along with several other officials from the Saudi and Greek sides.

They explored Qasr al-Farid, one of the most significant ancient archaeological sites in Hegra and Qasr al-Bint, another remarkable location that dates back to pre-Islamic times.
Their journey also took them to Jabal Ithlib, which boasts a prominent historical landmark in the northeast of Hegra, thoughtfully designed as an open-air theater that harmonizes with the breathtaking natural landscape.

They also visited ancient historical sites and artifacts scattered throughout AlUla, drawing tourists from around the globe.

These sites are carefully preserved by the Royal Commission for AlUla, the Ministry of Culture, the Saudi Tourism Authority, and other organizations, ensuring that they remain a vital part of human heritage while showcasing the rich history and diverse civilizations that have thrived in the region over the centuries.