PALMYRA’S STORY

2nd millennium BC

First mentioned in the archives of Mari.

64 BC

Comes under Roman control; they rule for about two centuries.

273 AD

Destroyed in a power struggle between Romans and Persians.

600 AD

Now under Arab control, it is a key trading post on the Silk Road.

Early 1400s

Timurid warlords, who also control areas of Iran, Iraq and Syria, destroy the city again.

1932

Modern-day city of Palmyra comes into being; Syria is under French rule.

1980

Designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2011

Onset of the Syrian Civil War; Isil takes control of Palmyra.

July 2015

Isil destroys sites including Lion of Al-lat and Temple of Baalshamin.

August 2015 Khaled Al-asaad beheaded. March 2016

Syrian government recaptures city.

December 2016

Recaptured by Isil.

January 2017

Isil destroys tetrapylon and theatre.

March 2017

Syrian government regains control.