Ancient grandeur amid modern ruins

An aerial view of Palmyra Castle, surrounded by barricades from its use tactically during the civil war at various times by rebels and forces from Russia or the Assad regime, in Palmyra. (Below) An aerial view of ruins in the ancient city of Palmyra. — David Guttenfelder/The New York Times

THE towering stone columns of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria rise majestically from the desert sands, lining the main avenue that once connected its temples, markets and amphitheatre.

Its hilltop castle still provides commanding views of the city’s remains, which are so vast and well preserved that they have attracted explorers, archaeologists and tourists for hundreds of years.