Archaeological sights in Palmyra
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Great Colonnade
The spine of ancient Palmyra was a stately colonnaded avenue stretching between the city's main funerary temple in the west and the Temple of Bel in the east, and covering a distance of almost 1km. Unlike the typical Roman model, Palmyra's main avenue was far from straight, pivoting decisively at two points - a result of piecemeal growth and improvisation.
Where the modern asphalted road slices across the ancient way is an imposing monumental arch ( M04D2). Dating from the reign of Septimius Severus, when Palmyra was at its peak, the construction is actually two arches, joined like a hinge to swing the street through a 30-degree turn, aiming it at the Temple of Bel.
The se…
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cella
The cella was completed in AD 32, a date given in a dedication inscribed on a pedestal found inside the temple, and now exhibited in the Palmyra Museum. It's unusual that the entrance is in one of the sides rather than at an end, and is offset from the centre. Inside is a single chamber with adytons (large niches) at either end.
The adyton ceilings, carved from single slabs of stone, are magnificent: the northern ceiling has a cupola featuring seven busts of divinities and the 12 signs of the zodiac, while the southern ceiling has a circular pattern of acanthus leaves surrounded by a ring of geometric patterning all inset within a square frame, itself surrounded by an ela…
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Ruins
Set the alarm for an early start to beat the heat - from May through to September the sun can be merciless - and take plenty of water and a hat when you explore the ruins . Follow the road that runs south directly opposite the tourist office to reach the Temple of Bel and monumental arch, the latter being the best place to start exploring.
Depending on the heat and your energy levels, you may need to organise transport to visit Qala'at ibn Maan (the Arab castle), the Valley of the Tombs and the underground hypogea (underground burial chambers); most hotels are keen to oblige.Although there is no admission fee to the main site, the museums, Temple of Bel, Qala'at ibn Maan …
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agora
The agora was the hub of Palmyrene life, the city's most important meeting space, used for public discussion and as a market where caravans unloaded their wares and engaged in the trade that brought the desert oasis its wealth. What remains today is a clearly defined courtyard measuring 84m by 71m. Numerous pillars survive to indicate that the central area was once enclosed by porticoes on all four sides and that the pillars carried statues.
The dedications reveal that the portico on the north held statues of Palmyrene and Roman officials, the eastern one had senators, the western portico was for military officers, while on the south side, merchants and caravan leaders we…
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