In a time when human lives aren't valued, it comes as little surprise that the Islamic State is destroying historic monuments. Anything they do makes very little sense anyway, but only they know what they're achieving by destroying gorgeous monuments built around 700 B.C. A series of exclusive photographs published by National Geographic confirm the complete destruction of the Makshi and Nergal Gates by the Islamic State in Ninevah, Iraq. The Nergal Gate, shown in the picture above, was originally built around 700 B.C and refurbished back in the 20th century. The gate is of high importance for the locals as they believe themselves to be the descendants of the ancient Assyrians who built Nineveh. The gate got its name from the Mesopotamian god of death and the underworld.

The gates of Ninevah have been the prized possession, and a celebrated symbol of ancient heritage for the residents of modern Mosul. Right until now. It's all destroyed now, and nothing more than rubble remains.

Also read: The destruction caused by ISIS in Syria, and particularly the Syrian heritage city of Palmyra.