Palmyra, Syria: history and description of the ancient city

Palmyra (Syria) is one of the oldest cities in the world. The first mention of this city dates from 900 BC. Palmyra was ruled by the most famous kings of antiquity to this day. There were uprisings, ruin of empires, intrigues and many other significant historical processes. The architecture of ancient times has survived to this day and is truly unique. However, in 2015, the remains of the ancient city were destroyed by terrorists of the "Islamic state".

The Ancient Times

The antiquity of the city can be estimated at least by the fact that the Bible contains a description of such a fortress as Palmyra. At that time, Syria was not a single state. On its territory ruled various kings and tribes. A well-known biblical character - King Solomon - decided to found Tadmor (former name) as a fortress to protect against the raids of the Arameans. The place was chosen at the intersection of trade routes. But soon after the erection of the city was almost completely destroyed as a result of the campaign Nualavohodnosora. But the extremely successful arrangement prompted new owners to rebuild the settlement. Since then, rich merchants and nobles have come here all the time. In a short time, from a village in the desert, Palmyra turned into a kingdom.

Rumors of untold riches have spread even across Europe. The Roman emperor himself learned that near the Euphrates Valley there is an unspeakably beautiful city of Palmyra. Syria at that time was partially controlled by the Parthians, who were at war with Rome. Therefore, the imperial troops decided to take the city, but these attempts did not lead to success. A few years later the commander of the Antoninov dynasty still took Tadmor. Since then, the city and its surroundings have become a Roman colony. But local rulers were given extended rights, which were not on other conquered lands.

The greatest power

The struggle for these territories was much wider than control over the province of Palmyra. Syria by one third consists of a desert in which it is impossible to dwell. Therefore, control over this area depended on taking several host sites. Who controlled the region between the sea and the Euphrates valley, he had influence over the whole desert. Since the city was very far from the central Roman lands, there was often an uprising against the capital. Either way, Palmyra has always remained a relatively independent province, following the example of Greek cities-policies. The peak of power came at the time of the reign of Queen Zenobia. The merchants from all over the Middle East traveled to Tamdor. Luxury temples and palaces were built. Therefore, Zenobia decided to completely get rid of the Roman oppression. However, Aurelianus, the Roman emperor, reacted quite quickly and went with the army to distant lands. As a result, the Romans conquered Palmyra, and the queen was taken prisoner. Since then, the decline of one of the most beautiful cities of antiquity begins.

Sunset

After the overthrow of Zenobia, the city still remained under the close attention of the Roman emperors. Some of them tried to rebuild and restore the original appearance of Palmyra. However, their attempts were unsuccessful. As a result, in the 8th century AD, an Arab raid occurred, as a result of which Palmyra was again ruined. After that, from a mighty province there was only a small settlement. Nevertheless, most of the monuments survived to this day and until 2015 were protected by UNESCO. Syria - Palmyra, the triumphal arch of which is known throughout the world, especially - it was a real Mecca for tourists. However, everything has changed.

Palmyra: a city in Syria today

Since 2012, a bloody civil war has been going on in Syria. By 2016, it is still not over and all the new parties are taking part in it. In the spring of 2015, Palmyra became the scene of military operations. Like thousands of years ago, this province is the key point for control over the desert. There is a strategically important route to Deir-ez-Zor. It was under the control of the government troops Bashar Assad. In the winter in the province of Tamdor came the militants of the terrorist organization "Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant". For several months they tried to take the city, but without success.

Destruction

However, at the end of spring, when the main forces of government troops were occupied in other directions, the militants launched a massive offensive on Palmyra. After a week of fierce fighting, IGIL still managed to take the city and its surroundings. After this, a series of violent reprisals followed. The militants began to destroy the most ancient monuments of architecture. In addition, the terrorists allowed the so-called "black archaeologists" to work in the city. Found the findings they resell in the black market for a lot of money. The same monuments that are not transportable, are destroyed. Satellite images confirm that at the moment, almost all the buildings have been erased from the face of the earth in the place where Mr. Palmyra used to be. Syria is still in a state of armed conflict, so it is not known whether this terrible war will leave any monuments for our descendants.