By Anthony Zurcher
Palmyra, an ancient city in central Syria, presents one of the more stunning
exposés of ancient Semitic life. Distinct in both architecture and style, the
city attained prominence in the 3rd century BCE as an important
caravan stop and regional center. Built on an oasis, Palmyra provided a central
point for main trade routes throughout the Middle East and effectively
connected Rome to Mesopotamia. The ruins of Palmyra have long fascinated
archeologists and historians alike, and they were designated a UNESCO World
Heritage site in 1980. Early age Christian churches, temples devoted to the
Aramean deities of the epoch, statues and arches representing phenomenal feats
of architecture, and a Roman amphitheater have been uncovered among other
artifacts. Historians often suggest that the city’s prosperous nature directly
contributed to the establishment of such a notable historic site. And although
history has reduced it to nothing more than a small village, Palmyra’s
archeological site provides a vivid if not complete picture of the once
bustling metropolitan city.
