In the middle of the 18th century, Russian writers and poets began to call St. Petersburg Northern Palmyra.
By architecture and numerous water channels, this city is more like Venice. Then why is the name Northern Palmyra firmly rooted to this day? At first glance, nothing to do with the ancient Syrian city.
But if you look into the depths of centuries, it will become clear why St. Petersburg has every reason to be called Northern Palmyra.
St. Petersburg is the northern capital of Russia. To understand why it is called North Palmyra and see the similarities with the ancient city, let us turn to the facts.
From the history of Palmyra
In an oasis, on the site of the modern Syrian desert, among the evergreen date palms appeared a city of unprecedented beauty. From here came the name of the city of Palmyra. According to legend, it was built by King Solomon.
Soon the city became a place of brisk trade. Often the Greeks began to visit. Their culture has firmly entered the lifestyle of the local population.
The city became famous for its splendor. The main street was wide and long. On its sides towered columns and arches. Architectural monuments were striking in their beauty.
Due to the constant struggle with the Romans, the city had to be well fortified from all sides. But this did not prevent him from being constantly beautiful and blooming. The Syrian city was especially prettier during the time of the most striking and warlike ruler of Zenobia.
All her undertakings were reasonable. As a woman commander, she was adamant in her orders, demanding of warriors, generous, but not wasteful, harsh when strictness was needed.
Zenobia gradually began to seize the nearby lands of Egypt and Asia Minor. Around the city formed the Palmyra state. Her most ardent desire was to conquer and subjugate the great Rome. But this was not destined to happen. The Romans defeated the army of Zenobia. In one night they destroyed Palmyra, and the rebellious ruler was captured.
