Everything you need to know about Palmyrene Art and Architectural Marvels
Palmyra, an ancient Semitic city in present-day Syria, flourished as a prominent trading city located at a crucial crossroads between the Roman Empire, Persia, and the lands of the Silk Road. It reached its zenith in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD.
Palmyra, often referred to as the “Bride of the Desert,” was an ancient Semitic city located in present-day Syria. Image: Diocletian’s walls – which are part of the general fortifications and walls of Palmyra, which in turn date back to the first century AD
Beyond its strategic position as a crossroads of civilizations, Palmyra is renowned for its blend of architectural styles, melding Greco-Roman, Semitic, and local designs.
Below, World History Edu takes an in-depth look at Palmyrene art and architecture:
Palmyrene Art
Palmyrene art, while bearing semblances to Greek traditions, evolved its distinct style, shaped largely by the socio-cultural milieu of the middle-Euphrates region.
Palmyra, an oasis city nestled between the major civilizations of Rome in the west and Persia in the east, developed a rich cultural tapestry woven from various threads of influence. Image: Location of ancient Palmyra in today’s Syria
Artistic Distinctiveness
Unlike the dynamic poses popular in Hellenistic or Roman art, Palmyrene reliefs predominantly showcased individuals in a frontal stance. This gave the sculptures a direct, straightforward demeanor.
Palmyra is renowned for its bust reliefs, primarily found sealing burial chambers. These are not just art; they are intimate commemorations of the departed, symbolizing both their identity and status.
The detailed representation of clothing and jewelry in these reliefs offered insights into the social rank, regional affiliations, and wealth of the individuals. The intricate detailing on dresses, tunics, and jewelry suggests a society conscious of fashion and personal aesthetics.
Pre-Byzantine Hints
The frontal representation, a hallmark of Palmyrene bust reliefs, can be considered as an artistic technique that anticipated some aspects of Byzantine art, which would emerge centuries later. This direct gaze and emphasis on face and attire were also characteristic of early Byzantine icons.
Palmyrene artwork showing a hunting scene
Parthian and Syrian Influences
While the Greco-Roman impact on Palmyrene art is undeniable, scholars have noted significant imprints of both Parthian and indigenous Syrian artistic traditions. The Parthian influence is seen in the stylization of facial features and hair. At the same time, local Syrian traditions brought in unique patterns, especially in the depiction of attire.
Rudimentary Portraiture
It’s crucial to differentiate between Roman sculptures, which often showcased lifelike details and vivid individuality, and Palmyrene bust reliefs. While the latter did have instances of high-quality, individualized portrayals, many of the reliefs were standardized, particularly for subjects of similar age or gender. Instead of intricate personal characteristics, the Palmyrene reliefs focused more on a general representation, emphasizing communal identity over individual idiosyncrasies.
Palmyrene funerary portrait depicting Aqmat, a renowned Palmyrene aristocrat
What are the most significant architectural remnants found in Palmyra?
Palmyrene art and architecture stand as a testament to the city’s unique position in antiquity – a melting pot of cultures where east met west.
The following are some of the ancient empire’s most famous architectural structures:
Valley of Tombs
This extensive necropolis to the west of the city walls is a testament to Palmyrene funerary traditions. Tower-like structures, some soaring to four stories, dominate this landscape. These towers, primarily used for burials, gave way to funerary temples by the 2nd century AD. While the main concentration is in the Valley of Tombs, other burial sites are scattered around Palmyra, predominantly in the form of underground chambers or hypogea.
The necropolis Valley of the Tombs is located southwest of Palmyra. It became famous for housing several grand funerary towers. The multi-storeyed structures showcased detailed funerary reliefs and inscriptions, providing insights into Palmyrene society and its elite. Image: Valley of the Tombs in 2008
Temple of Bel
The Temple of Bel, dedicated to the Mesopotamian god Bel, encapsulates this eclectic style. On the exterior, Roman columns surround the building, yet the inner sanctuary layout is distinctly Semitic. This blend mirrors the layout of other ancient temples, such as the Second Temple in Jerusalem (also known as Herod’s Temple), where the main shrine was placed off-center in a vast courtyard. Such a design had precedents in ancient temples like those in Ebla and Ugarit.
A central religious edifice in Palmyra, the Temple of Bel was a unique blend of Mesopotamian, Greco-Roman, and Arabian architectural elements. It was surrounded by massive walls and had a central cella (inner chamber) where the god was venerated.
READ MORE: The Temple of Bel – History, Importance, & Major Facts
Baths of Diocletian
The vestiges of this grand bathing complex still evoke a sense of its past splendor. Its entrance is marked by gargantuan Egyptian granite columns, while inside, one can trace the outlines of a bathing pool and a unique octagonal dressing room. Although Sossianus Hierocles claims credit for its construction during Diocletian’s reign, evidence suggests it was built earlier and renovated by Hierocles.
The Temple of Baalshamin
The Temple of Baalshamin, with origins tracing back to the late 2nd century BC, underwent multiple phases of construction and renovation. Its altar was constructed in AD 115, and a significant rebuilding took place in AD 131. The temple’s architectural layout featured a primary cella (a central chamber) that was flanked by two columned courtyards on its northern and southern sides. Leading to the cella was an entrance hall or vestibule, supported by six columns. Additionally, the walls of the cella were adorned with vertical, rectangular columns known as pilasters, which were styled in the ornate Corinthian design.
Dedicated to the Canaanite sky god Baalshamin, the Baal Shamin temple combined a stone podium, columned portico, and a cella, illustrating the blend of Roman and indigenous architectural elements. The excavation of the temple took place from 1954 to 1956. It was a Swiss expedition organized by UNESCO.
The Temple of Al-Lat
The Al-Lat Temple stands in a state of significant decay, with merely its base, several columns, and the entrance frame still intact. Within the temple’s premises, a majestic lion sculpture, known as the Lion of Al-lāt, was uncovered. Originally, this sculpture extended outward from the walls of the temple compound.
Dedicated to pre-Islamic Arabian goddess Al-Lat, the Temple of Al-Lat stands in a dilapidated state, with only its base, a handful of columns, and the doorway still standing. Within the temple grounds, a significant archaeological find was the Lion of Al-lāt, a large lion sculpture. Originally, this piece was designed to jut out from one of the walls of the temple compound.
Agora of Palmyra
A central hub of social interaction, this vast structure from the 1st century AD showcases the civic pride of Palmyra. The Agora housed numerous statues, each set on a base inscribed with details of the statue’s subject. The layout, segregated by social status and occupation, provides an invaluable insight into the city’s social hierarchy.
The Walls of Palmyra
The Walls of Palmyra, initially constructed in the first century, were designed as a protective barrier for the city. These walls were not continuous structures because in certain areas, the natural landscape, like mountains, already provided a defensive barrier. These walls enclosed not just the city’s residential zones, but also its gardens and the vital oasis, highlighting the significance of these resources to Palmyrene life.
However, after Palmyra’s revolt and subsequent capture by the Roman Empire in 273 AD, Emperor Aurelian decided to build another fortified barrier, commonly referred to as the “wall of Diocletian.” This new wall was distinct from the original in that it encompassed a considerably smaller area, enclosing roughly 80 hectares. This reduction in size compared to the original pre-273 city might have been to ensure tighter defense or as a consequence of the city’s reduced significance post-revolt.
Triclinium of the Agora
Located adjacently, this smaller hall, adorned with continuous Greek key motifs, possibly served as a banquet hall or gathering place for the elite. Some believe that it originally functioned as a temple, but was later repurposed.
Senate Building
Though largely in ruins, the remnants suggest a compact structure with a peristyle courtyard leading to a chamber. This chamber, featuring an apse and surrounded by seating rows, is evocative of Roman-style assembly halls.
How the Islamic State callously destroyed some of Palmyra’s marvels
Towards the summer of 2015, the ancient city of Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the 1980s, became a target for the Islamic State (IS), a radical militant group.
Eyewitness accounts from 23 May 2015 revealed that IS fighters demolished several antiquities in the city, including the Lion of Al-lāt, a significant ancient statue. This act of destruction was especially shocking because, just days prior, the militants had assembled the local population and assured them that the city’s historical monuments would be spared.
However, the destruction didn’t stop there. On 23 August 2015, the Temple of Baalshamin, one of Palmyra’s most venerated religious sites, was razed by IS.
A week later, on 30 August, they targeted the Temple of Bel, another iconic structure in Palmyra, destroying its cella (the inner chamber of the temple). The extent of the devastation was confirmed by international agencies a few days later, with satellite imagery revealing that only the temple’s exterior walls and its entrance arch had withstood the destruction.
These acts were part of a broader pattern of cultural vandalism by IS, which viewed such ancient relics as symbols of idolatry. The loss was not just to Syria but to humanity as a whole, as these monuments represented invaluable records of human history and cultural heritage.
In the latter half of 2015 and early 2017, the ancient city of Palmyra continued to suffer at the hands of the Islamic State (IS). For example, in the September 2015 attacks, the radical group targeted and razed three of the city’s most pristine tower tombs, notably the Tower of Elahbel. Within a month, in October 2015, IS expanded its destructive spree beyond religious and funerary monuments to demolish secular structures, like the city’s iconic monumental arch.
The start of 2017 saw no respite for Palmyra’s historical heritage. In January of that year, reports confirmed that IS had further damaged the city’s ancient landscape by destroying the tetrapylon—a distinctive ancient Roman architectural feature consisting of a group of four pillars—and inflicted damage upon the Roman theater, an emblematic structure representing Palmyra’s rich Greco-Roman heritage.
However, amidst the series of devastations, a glimmer of hope emerged in March 2017. After the Syrian Army successfully reclaimed Palmyra from IS. The Syrian authorities shared a somewhat optimistic view, hinting that the extent of the new damage might not be as severe as initially feared.
It was also revealed by an antiquities official that while the Tetrapylon suffered significant harm, the facade of the Roman theater endured comparatively less damage.
Restoration Efforts
After the tragic destruction of many of Palmyra’s ancient treasures by the Islamic State (IS), efforts began to salvage and restore whatever remained.
A couple of Palmyrene funerary busts, which had been damaged and defaced by IS, underwent restoration. These busts were transported to Rome, where experts meticulously restored them. Once the restoration process was complete, the busts were returned to Syria, marking a small yet symbolic victory for the preservation of global cultural heritage.
Another significant restoration achievement was the rehabilitation of the Lion of Al-lāt, an important statue that had suffered damage during IS’s occupation of the site. The process of restoring this artifact took about two months, culminating in its public display on 1 October 2017. However, for the foreseeable future, the statue will be housed in the National Museum of Damascus to ensure its safety and protection.
Moving forward in time to 2022, the Afqa spring site, another significant location, was reopened to the public after a series of restoration and rehabilitation activities. This marked a significant stride in the ongoing efforts to bring Palmyra back to its former glory.
In a collaborative initiative, in October 2022, the Syrian Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums partnered with the Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Together, they embarked on the subsequent phases (second and third) of the ambitious project aimed at restoring the Arch of Triumph, one of Palmyra’s most iconic structures. This collaboration signals international recognition of the importance of Palmyra’s heritage and a joint commitment to preserving it for future generations.
Conclusion
Palmyrene art and architecture are a testament to the city’s wealth, cultural confluence, and significance in the ancient world. The blend of Greco-Roman and indigenous styles showcases a city that was at once a part of the broader Mediterranean world and uniquely its own.
Questions and Answers
Palmyra’s ancient ruins suffered significant damage during the Syrian Civil War, especially at the hands of ISIS. However, international efforts have been underway to document, preserve, and restore these invaluable monuments.
What are some of the major features of Palmyrene architecture?
- Columns: Palmyrene architecture is famous for its distinctive, fluted Corinthian columns and richly decorated pilasters.
- Funerary Monuments: Tower tombs and underground hypogea served as the burial places for elite Palmyrene families.
- Temples: Palmyra had numerous temples dedicated to its many gods, combining Greco-Roman and Near Eastern architectural elements.
What was the historical significance of Palmyra in the ancient world, particularly during the Roman era?
Palmyra, the “Bride of the Desert,” was a key ancient city at the trade crossroads, blending Semitic, Greco-Roman, and Parthian cultures. It thrived economically and culturally under Roman alignment. Queen Zenobia‘s rebellion in the 3rd century AD marked its apex before Roman Empire Aurelian’s reclamation. The city’s architecture and Palmyrene script reflect its historical richness.
READ MORE: Palmyra’s historical significance in the ancient world
