Tadmor (Palmyra) Guide

The ancient city of Palmyra rises out of the Syrian desert 210km (130 miles) northeast of Damascus. It was originally known as Tadmor, meaning ‘city of dates’ and its existence was recorded on stone tablets dating from the 19th century BC. In the third century BC, the city became one of the main trade routes linking east and west, and began to prosper. In the first century AD, Tadmor came under Roman rule and was renamed Palmyra, meaning ‘city of palm trees’. After a succession of rulers, Palmyra was captured by the Muslim leader Khalid ibn al-Walid in AD 634, and its status as a great trading city and cultural centre declined. Today visitors can explore the ruins, which include the Temple of Bel and the Valley of the Tombs, where several generations of families were buried over two centuries in layer upon layer of tombs. In the first week of May, the Palmyra Festival is held, featuring camel races, folk dancing, music, traditional costume and handicrafts.
Air: Damascus International Airport, Aleppo International Airport. Road: Car: Damascus – Palmyra Highway.