The Ancient Splendor of Palmyra, Syria with Dr. Guillaume Durand
Join archaeologist and art historian Dr. Guillaume Durand to explore the ancient city of Palmyra, known as the ‘Pompeii of Syria.’ A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Palmyra is at the crossroad of civilizations where Greco-Roman construction techniques marry local traditions and Persian influences. Damaged during the Syrian Civil War, the archaeological site of Palmyra also speaks to the global conflicts of the modern age. An oasis in the Syrian Desert, Palmyra contains the monumental ruins of a great city that was one of the most important cultural centers in the Eastern part of the Ancient Mediterranean World. From the first to the second century CE, the art and architecture of Palmyra reflected the blend of cultures and peoples who lived and traveled here. We will discuss the strategic position of Palmyra on essential trade routes starting in the Bronze Age through to the development of the Silk Road linking Persia, India, and China with the Mediterranean. Together, we will