Knowing Palmyra: Mandatory production of archaeological knowledge

Archaeological knowledge production at Palmyra during the French Mandate was far more complex and inclusive of local inhabitants than previously recognized. Through an analysis of Harald Ingholt's archaeological diaries from 1924 to 1928, this study reveals that European archaeologists' narratives often overlooked the contributions of local people, particularly in reshaping the site during a period of significant transformation. The research challenges authorized discourses by reconstructing the site's history before its relocation from mudbrick houses near the Temple of Bel to a new military-built town, highlighting the nuanced interplay between scientific discovery and local knowledge.

Baird, J. A., Kamash, Z., & Raja, R. (2023). Knowing Palmyra: Mandatory production of archaeological knowledge. Journal of Social Archaeology, 23(1), 76–98. https://doi.org/10.1177/14696053221144013