Palmyra

Palmyra is an ancient city in central Syria, in the eastern part of the Levant, with archaeological finds dating back to the Neolithic period and written mentions from the early second millennium BCE. It passed between several empires before becoming a subject of Rome in the first century CE. The city grew rich from caravan trade, and its merchants founded colonies along the Silk Road. Its wealth paid for monuments such as the Great Colonnade, the Temple of Bel and the distinctive tower tombs. The Palmyrenes spoke Palmyrene Aramaic, used Koine Greek for commerce and diplomacy, and combined Amorite, Aramean and Arab elements. Under King Odaenathus and then Queen Zenobia, Palmyra rose in the third century to challenge Rome before being retaken.