The Paradox of Palmyra: An Ancient anomalopolis in the Desert

Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient city in the Syrian Desert, defies conventional urban geography by thriving 150-200 km from major agricultural areas. Research reveals that its prosperity was sustained through a complex interplay of climate change, geopolitical shifts, and interactions between nomadic and settled communities. The study leverages palaeoclimatological evidence, urban development patterns, epigraphic inscriptions, and settlement size analysis to unravel the paradox of this 'anomalopolis.' Notably, the research sheds light on how Palmyra's strategic positioning and adaptive responses to environmental and socio-political changes enabled its longevity from late centuries BC to the late first millennium AD. This insight challenges traditional narratives about desert urbanization and offers a nuanced understanding of ancient civilizations in arid regions.

Raja, R., & Seland, E. H. (2022). The Paradox of Palmyra: An Ancient anomalopolis in the Desert. Journal of Urban Archaeology, 5, 177–189. https://doi.org/10.1484/j.jua.5.129848