Trajectories of Hellenism at Tadmor-Palmyra and Dura-Europos

Hellenistic influences at Tadmor-Palmyra and Dura-Europos exhibited complex, contradictory trajectories shaped by interactions between Greek culture and indigenous elements. The study reveals that while both sites shared Hellenistic features, their development diverged significantly due to distinct local cultural contexts. At Palmyra, a major caravan city in the Syrian steppe, Hellenism blended with indigenous traditions, creating a unique hybrid culture. In contrast, Dura-Europos, a smaller town on the Middle Euphrates, maintained a more distinct Greek identity while still engaging with local customs. The research employs comparative analysis of archaeological and textual evidence to trace these trajectories, highlighting the dynamic nature of cultural exchange in the ancient Near East.

Kaizer, T. (2017). Trajectories of Hellenism at Tadmor-Palmyra and Dura-Europos. In (Editor), Oxford Scholarship Online. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198805663.003.0003