Story: An ancient oasis revisited

Some 215 km northeast of Damascus, Syria lies the remains of a once great capital. Acting as a vital link between ancient Persia and Roman controlled western Syria was the caravan post of Palmyra. The first mentions of the city can be traced back 2,000 B.C. in the archives of Mari. It is mention several times throughout the Bible as Tadmor. Through the ebbs and flows of time, this great city has played an important role in the development of modern civilization.

Arguably the crowning jewel in the analogs Palmyra civilization calm in the 2nd century A.D. During that time, an assassinated king’s wife, Septimia Zenobia took control on behalf of her son. Zenobia rebelled against Roman rule and through brilliant strategic planning, was able to create an empire spanning the middle east and into Egypt. This is one of the greatest militaristic achievements by a woman in ancient times. I was however short lived.

Arab rule began in the 6th century A.D. and gradually the city lost its luster. For the next several centuries people began to abandon the city and it was even deserted for a short time.

Today, Palmyra attracts archeological enthusiasts. Frequent luxury buses from Damascus make the trip in about 3 hours at a cost of US$2 to US$6. The town of Palmyra has ample accommodation and dining choices. The site of the ancient city is actually mostly free. The only thing to pay for is the 400 years old Arab citadel perched atop a mountain overlooking the site. You will, in all likelihood, have the site to yourself allowing you to trace 4,000 year old footsteps in peace. There are few places of importance in the world that come at such a low cost for such a great reward. History awaits!