Palmyra

Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Syria's Tadmur oasis, stands out for its unique political and military significance during the Roman Empire. Unlike other Roman cities, Palmyra emerged as an independent power in the 3rd century AD, playing a pivotal role when Roman forces were overwhelmed by Sassanian invaders. This book reconstructs Palmyra's history from Bronze Age origins through to modern times using literary accounts, inscriptions, coins, art, and architectural remains. It also explores the long-standing archaeological research at the site, from Ottoman rule and French mandate excavations in the 1920s to recent satellite-based studies by German archaeologists. A critical focus is the impact of ISIS occupation during the Syrian conflict, which caused significant destruction to Palmyra's ruins and heritage, with broader implications for Syria's archaeological landscape.

Sommer, M. (2017). Palmyra. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315122397