Historical Trajectories of Palmyra’s Elites through the Lens of Archaeological Data

Archaeological data from Palmyra, Syria, reveals the dynamic trajectories of its elites through history. The Palmyra Portrait Project, analyzing nearly 4,000 portraits and over 300 tombs, combined with evidence of trade and building activity, sheds light on the rise and fall of this ancient oasis city's ruling class. The study identifies key historical events—such as wars or plagues—that correlated with shifts in elite behaviors, offering a nuanced understanding of Palmyra’s socio-political landscape. This approach bridges archaeological records with historical narratives, providing insights into the resilience and adaptability of Palmyra’s elites amid adversity.

Bobou, O., Raja, R., & Romanowska, I. (2021). Historical Trajectories of Palmyra’s Elites through the Lens of Archaeological Data. Journal of Urban Archaeology, 4, 153–166. https://doi.org/10.1484/j.jua.5.126598