Photos with the Queen's signature, paintings, even a FIFA award. Tyrant Assad fled Syria as Islamist-led rebels swept into Damascus. And while he left Syria for Russia, Bashar al-Assad could not take some of his most precious assets with him.
Assad's presidential palace was ransacked, looters took his possessions and that of his British-born wife, Asma. The rebel fighters passed already holding the personal souvenirs of the tyrant, which they found in the Palace known as Qasr al-Shaab or "Palace of the People".
A number of strange items were found here that the ousted leader and his wife left behind before fleeing to Russia, where they were granted political asylum by Vladimir Putin.
One photo shows a room filled with paintings and various works of art, with shelves filled with files, boxes, and even vases. Among the objects found was a signed photograph of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, dated 2002.
Another item is a gold FIFA award mounted on a wooden plaque. This 2005 award was given to the Syrian national team "to commemorate its participation in the World Youth Championship in the Netherlands".
Gold seemed to be a favorite for Assad, with various plates, chests or boxes all appearing to be made of the ultra-luxurious material, or plated with gold.
The Syrian people celebrated the end of Assad's rule, whose 53-year-old family dynasty was toppled in a 12-day offensive. The residence of Assad's brother, Major General Maher al-Assad, who headed a Syrian army unit, is also in rebel hands.
Footage showed what appeared to be a network of tunnels underneath with high vaulted ceilings, electronic doors and underground rooms, including a fully equipped kitchen.
The dictator left the capital on Sunday and has taken refuge in Moscow, where he is under Russian protection.
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