Palmyrena

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This volume explores the archaeology and history of the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, featuring contributions from a conference held in Athens in December 2012, part of the Syrian-Norwegian research project on the city and its trade dynamics. It encapsulates international research and fieldwork conducted prior to the Syrian civil war. The collection includes an introduction and a variety of papers addressing topics such as the interaction between pastoral nomads and city-state kings in the semi-arid landscape, the significance of Palmyra in trade, and its connections to the Chinese Silk Trade. It also examines the Palmyrene Temple in Rome, the historical trade routes from Palmyra to Damascus, and the role of colonnaded streets in communication within the Eastern Roman Empire. Geophysical prospection methods applied to Palmyra, the cultural influences reflected in pottery, and insights from excavations of tombs and residential structures are also discussed. Additionally, studies on human skeletal remains and agricultural practices in Byzantine Palmyra provide a comprehensive view of the city's historical significance and its inhabitants' lifestyles. This volume serves as a vital resource for understanding Palmyra's role in ancient trade and cultural exchange.