One of the earliest photos of the Yuamningyuan.  In 1860, the British Army fighting as mercenaries of the Sassoons looted and destroyed what they could not take.  As the primary residence of five Qing emperors, Yuanmingyuan contained hundreds of palaces, temples, libraries, theaters, pavilions, chapels, gazebos and galleries filled with priceless artworks, antiquities and personal possessions.