Palmyra's ancient ruins in hands of IS

Islamic State (IS) militants have taken control ancient Palmyra, one of the archaeological jewels of the Middle East, raising fears the Syrian world heritage site could face destruction

May 20: Government troops withdraw from tadmur, modern town next to ruins of Palmra after IS take al-Sukhanah

PALMYRA: Built on site of ancient caravan route, ruins are unique combination of Roman and Persian architectural styles
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TURKEY

LEBANON

SYRIA

Aleppo

Damascus

Raqqa

Deir al-Zor

al-Sukhanah

IRAQ

100km 62 miles

Area of IS dominance
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Local museum: Contains busts and reliefs from Palmyra’s many funerary monuments

Agora

Senate House

Temple of Bel: Most important religious buildings of 1st Century in East

Diocletian reconstructed walls

Grand Colonnade

Theatre

Diocletian baths

200m 650ft

Monumental Arch: Carved sculptural treatment is outstanding example of Palmyrene art
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Source: Unesco

Pictures: Getty Images, Google Earth, upyernoz

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