Dura-Europos, 'Pompeii of the Syrian Desert'

Dura-Europos, 'Pompeii of the Syrian Desert'

Dura-Europos in Eastern Syria is a classic abandoned ancient city. Excavations (1920-1937, renewed 1986-2011), revealed spectacular remains. These comprised elaborately decorated buildings, including a painted synagogue and a very early Christian church, and astonishingly well-preserved artefacts. The city seemed suddenly frozen in time, leading to Dura often being called 'the Pompeii of the Syrian desert’.

Dura-Europos
• The 'Pompeii of the Syrian Desert'
  • What's in a name?
• Another Pompeii...?
• ...of the Syrian desert?
• Desolation and 'discovery'
• The exploration of Dura-Europos
• Origins: Hellenistic Europos
• The Parthian-era city
• Dura under Roman rule
• City plan in Roman times
• A cosmopolitan community
• City of many gods
• The Roman garrison
• Siege & destruction
• Afterlife
• The second destruction of Dura
• Finding out more