Queen Zenobia of Palmyra: Conference in Erba

The Conference: “Zenobia, Queen of Palmyra”

On Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 5:00 PM, the Museo Civico di Erba hosted a conference titled “Zenobia, Queen of Palmyra”.

The speaker was Dr Miriam Romagnolo, a member of the Syrian-Italian archaeological mission in Palmyra.

The conference was organised in connection with the photographic exhibition “Le storie straordinarie di Palmira” (The Extraordinary Stories of Palmyra), which opened on May 6, 2023.

During the event, participants explored the history of Queen Zenobia of Palmyra, the city’s first and only queen.

Queen Zenobia and Her Challenge to Rome

During the Roman Empire, an independent kingdom emerged in the East under Zenobia’s leadership.

In particular, Queen Zenobia challenged Roman authority and sought greater independence for the eastern provinces.

Under her rule, Palmyra expanded its influence beyond Syria, reaching Arabia, Egypt and Asia Minor.

Although her rebellion was short-lived, Zenobia succeeded in creating an extensive kingdom within just a few years.

The conference explored this remarkable period, focusing on events between AD 258 and AD 272.

The Photographic Exhibition: “The Extraordinary Stories of Palmyra”

Alongside the conference, the Museo Civico di Erba hosted the photographic exhibition “Le storie straordinarie di Palmira” until Sunday, June 4, 2023.

Admission was free, and visitors could explore the exhibition during the following opening hours:

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Friday: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Discovering the History of Ancient Palmyra

The exhibition offered visitors an opportunity to discover the fascinating history of Palmyra, an ancient city in central Syria.

Through the photographs on display, visitors could admire the city’s extraordinary architecture and cultural heritage.

For centuries, Palmyra was an important crossroads of different cultures and civilisations.

Moreover, each photograph told a story, encouraging reflection on human history and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

Palmyra: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The exhibition also helped visitors understand the scale of the destruction suffered by Palmyra in recent years.

The ancient city became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.

However, during the Syrian conflict, ISIS militants destroyed several important monuments and archaeological remains, attracting international attention.

Nevertheless, Palmyra’s history extends far beyond these tragic events.

Its monuments, statues and archaeological treasures preserve extraordinary stories of cultural exchange and dialogue.

Above all, these stories inspired the photographic exhibition and highlighted the importance of protecting the world’s historical heritage.