The deliberate destruction of cities and cultural sites in exchange for strategic gain has been frequently used in the history of armed conflicts. Despite humankind's ethical and legal progress to curtail the targeting of globally recognized heritage sites, this modus of war still persists, as has been witnessed in areas controlled by the Islamic State group. This movement has eagerly publicized its demolition and looting of archaeological sites and artefacts. The underlying religious and material incentives of these political acts are analyzed in the context of international treaties on the protection of these properties and the penalties surrounding major offences.