Maps of Syria Available from Ball State University Libraries

Maps in the News:  Ancient City of Palmyra, Syria

Palmyra in Syria is the latest city to fall into the hands of the Islamic State militants.  The Ball State University Libraries’ GIS Research and Map Collection (GRMC) and Atlas Collection feature cartographic resources of Palmyra and other cities in the Middle East.

The first map was published by GeoProjects in association with Oxford University Press.  The map of the Syrian Arab Republic includes inset maps of Damascus, Aleppo, and this map of Palmyra.  The map includes a photograph of ancient Roman ruins and shows the locations of ancient tombs and basilicas, Justinian’s Wall, museums, main roads and ancient roads.

The last two maps are from The Penguin Historical Atlas of Ancient Rome available from the Atlas Collection.  The top map shows the location of the Roman frontier and empire and the Empire of Palmyra in 271 A.D. with campaigns and conquests marked.

The second map shows the city as it appeared before the city was destroyed by the Romans in 273 A.D.  “The oasis city of Palmyra in the Syrian desert became an important centre on the long-distance trade routes leading to the populous cities of the East Mediterranean.”  The most important part of the city was the great sanctuary of Bel, a large enclosed temple.

For more information about using cartographic resources from Ball State University Libraries, please contact the GRMC at 765-285-1097.