A 1-meter-resolution satellite image of Bam was taken by Space Imaging's IKONOS satellite on Dec. 27, 2003, just one day after a catastrophic earthquake struck
the historic city. The image shows widespread destruction as a result of the
6.7 magnitude earthquake that leveled 70 percent of the buildings, according to
news reports.
click image to enlarge
Clearly seen in this image is the 2,000-year-old
citadel, considered the world's largest mud fortress. According to news
reports, much of the medieval fortress crumbled like a sand castle when the
quake hit. The citadel was a popular tourist attraction and is on the register
of the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and has been a
World Heritage site.
Bam is located about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) southeast of Tehran.
