August 13, 2008—A 4,000-year-old ziggurat, or pyramid-like structure, in the ancient Iraqi city of Ur is marked by bullet and shrapnel holes, according to a recent survey of several historic sites in the southern part of the country.

Ur and the ziggurat, pictured in this June 2008 photo, are about 200 miles (320 kilometers) south of Baghdad. The city and its temples were bombed in the first Gulf War (1990-1991).

The new survey, conducted by the British Museum, suggests the looting situation has dramatically improved at many important historical sites in this part of Iraq, but neglect, erosion, and military activities still pose significant risks.

(Read the full news story.)

• More Photos in the News
• Today's Top 15 Most Popular Stories
• Free Email Newsletter: "Focus on Photography"