Palmyra: An Irreplaceable Treasure

The heart-felt sadness of the writer at the senseless destruction of this unique archaeological site has been captured by the translator. I found it enlightening and saw the destruction from a new angle when I read this section:“Why did ISIS destroy Palmyra? Because it was a temple where pagans before Islam came to adore mendacious idols? No, it was because that monument was venerated by contemporary Westerners, whose culture includes an educated love for “historical monuments” and a great curiosity for the beliefs of other people and other times.”It was obviously written from a very personal perspective so cannot be considered objective but it was extremely informative and written in an easy to read way. I learned a lot about the site, until now I had not realised the scale of the site – sadly, also the scale of destruction.

A lovely wee book and a fantastic introduction to the ancient world of Palmyra and Syria. Considering it's recent fame this should be a must for anyone interested in Syrian, Greek, Roman or Middle Eastern history. This is a beautifully written book and a joy to read while giving general background information of what was a desert town and hub in the trade between the west and the east and the pivotal role the region played in the development of our own culture. It has been wonderfully translated

This little treasure is everything everyone claims for it . . . a small masterpiece. Heartbreaking, I'm afraid, but a masterpiece nonetheless.

Valuable book about the importance of Palmyra, which was savagely vandalized by ISIS. Short and articulate. Dedicated to the Syrian archaeologist who was tortured and beheaded by ISIS. Veyne states Palmyra was "perhaps the most extraordinary" archeological site ever uncovered. I have been there and I agree. Antiquities Destruction and Illicit Sales as Sources of ISIS Funding and Propaganda (The LeTort Papers)Antiquities Destruction and Illicit Sales as Sources of ISIS Funding and Propaganda (The LeTort Papers)

Perfect book about the bride of Syria.

A bit thin, not just in pages but in explaining Palmyra's overall importance and significance. Any city/buildings that old are "irreplaceable" but the "treasure" seems to be overreaching.

Exc svc