The only analogy I can think of is the destruction of the Hanlin Academy
during the Boxer Rebellion in China in 1900.

See, eg:   http://www.ifla.org/IV/ifla62/62-davd.htm

This library of Chinese Classics was sent ablaze during the seige of the
embassy by the Boxers.  It is not entirely analogous, since this desrtuction
occurred before the arrival of a Western relief column.



Duncan C. Kinder
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----- Original Message -----
From: "Margaret Green" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, April 12, 2003 2:02 PM
Subject: Pillagers Strip Iraqi Museum of Its Treasure


>   NY Times:
>
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/12/international/worldspecial/12CND-BAGH.html
>
>      BAGHDAD, Iraq, April 12 - The National Museum of Iraq recorded a
history
> of civilizations that began to flourish in the fertile plains of
Mesopotamia
> more than 7,000 years ago. But once American troops entered Baghdad in
> sufficient force to topple Saddam Hussein's government this week, it took
only
> 48 hours for the museum to be destroyed, with at least 50,000 artifacts
> carried away by looters.
> ------snip---------see article----------
>