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The Ancient Splendor of Palmyra, Syria with Dr. Guillaume Durand

The Ancient Splendor of Palmyra, Syria with Dr. Guillaume Durand


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Join archaeologist and art historian Dr. Guillaume Durand to explore the ancient city of Palmyra, known as the ‘Pompeii of Syria.’ A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Palmyra is at the crossroad of civilizations where Greco-Roman construction techniques marry local traditions and Persian influences. Damaged during the Syrian Civil War, the archaeological site of Palmyra also speaks to the global conflicts of the modern age.
An oasis in the Syrian Desert, Palmyra contains the monumental ruins of a great city that was one of the most important cultural centers in the Eastern part of the Ancient Mediterranean World. From the first to the second century CE, the art and architecture of Palmyra reflected the blend of cultures and peoples who lived and traveled here. We will discuss the strategic position of Palmyra on essential trade routes starting in the Bronze Age through to the development of the Silk Road linking Persia, India, and China with the Mediterranean.
Together, we will explore the numerous monuments that illustrate the unique culture that flourished here: grand colonnaded streets, the Temple of Ba’al, the Roman Tetrapylon, Diocletian’s Camp, the Agora among others. We will also look at artifacts left behind which give us an understanding of the lives of the population that inhabited Palmyra including prominent characters such as Queen Zenobia who challenged Rome in the late third century CE.
Led by an expert on the art and archaeology of the eastern Mediterranean basin Guillaume Durand, this seminar will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Palmyra, truly the shared cultural patrimony of humankind. Participants will come away with an increased understanding of this epic archaeological site and will gain insight into the crucial role that historic preservation plays in protecting the past and shaping a tolerant future.

Passionate about the regions and countries at the crossroad of civilizations, Guillaume Durand Ph.D. has long standing expertise in Ancient art and archaeology of the Eastern Mediterranean Basin. Assistant dean and professor in archaeology and art history at the Institute for American Universities and the American College of the Mediterranean in Aix-en-Provence, France, Guillaume has traveled many times in Iran during these six past years in order to study the Persian Empires. He is also a tourist guide / lecturer in this country for French citizens.

Not suitable for children under age 13 (sensitive content).

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 16 reviews
100%
(16)
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G
G.G. (Tacoma, US)
Splendor of Palmyra

I had seen a few pictures of the portraits but knew nothing about the history of the city
I feel I learned a lot from this presentation.

Y
Y.M. (New York, US)
Ancient /Splendors of Pylmyra

Very exciting to watch. General overview of the site. Well presented and loved the introduction of the history

B
B.M. (Victoria, CA)

An excellent seminar on this stunningly beautiful ancient city.

J
J.E. (Wiesbaden, DE)
Very Interesting

It was interesting to hear about the history of Palmyra and see the excavations before it was destroyed by ISIS.

P
P.R. (Québec, CA)
Astonishing

Guillaume is always interesting 😀

Customer Reviews

Based on 16 reviews
100%
(16)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
G
G.G. (Tacoma, US)
Splendor of Palmyra

I had seen a few pictures of the portraits but knew nothing about the history of the city
I feel I learned a lot from this presentation.

Y
Y.M. (New York, US)
Ancient /Splendors of Pylmyra

Very exciting to watch. General overview of the site. Well presented and loved the introduction of the history

B
B.M. (Victoria, CA)

An excellent seminar on this stunningly beautiful ancient city.

J
J.E. (Wiesbaden, DE)
Very Interesting

It was interesting to hear about the history of Palmyra and see the excavations before it was destroyed by ISIS.

P
P.R. (Québec, CA)
Astonishing

Guillaume is always interesting 😀