Palmyra Research Paper

Palmyra was once one of the greatest cities in the Roman empire, second only to Rome itself. Even after it’s days of glory were over, hundred of years after it had been abandoned, much of its architecture still remained beautifully preserved. Palmyra boasted the Temple of Bel, the Tetrapylon, and beautiful Roman theatre. All of this changed however, in 2015, when ISIS invaded and took Palmyra under it control (CNN). ISIS defaced and blew up buildings, claiming them to be idolatrous. And although portions of the ruins remained intact, Palmyra went from being a well preserved ancient city to a crumbling mess. In addition to destroying buildings, many artifacts were plundered and sold by ISIS, who used the profits to fund terrorism. (Zeitvogel)
However, while ISIS no longer has control of Palmyra, the devastating condition they left it in is one that is constantly on the minds of the Syrian government and many others in the archeological
They might say it is a sign of defeat. I believe the opposite. Though Palmyra suffered greatly at the hands of ISIS, some of it still stands. I think that if we were to carefully preserve and cherish what is left, we could achieve two things. Firstly, Palmyra would serve as a reminder to future generations of the destruction caused by ISIS and the need to stand up against evil. Palmyra is a testament to the fact that all things, no matter how grand, old, or strong, are put at risk when we fail in our duty to oppose what is wrong.
However, even while serving as a warning, the ruins of Palmyra can serve as a symbol of hope. Palmyra still stands, despite everything it has been through and everything it has lost. The remaining ruins of Palmyra are proof that it is possible to make it through the darkest of times. They can be a symbol of strength and resilience for the people of Syria, in a time where things seem so