Syrian Desert

- Related Locations & Stories
Ruins of Civilizations
Asia
May 6, 2026
•
17 minutes

Palmyra: The Oasis Empire That Defied Rome and the Ancient City ISIS Tried to Erase

Palmyra was a desert city rich enough to break Rome in two — and the ruins ISIS spent eight months trying to erase. One man stood between them.

Portrait of a female author smiling in warm evening light on a city street.
Clara M.

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