Which desert contains the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra?

The Syrian Desert contains the ancient city of Palmyra, a historic oasis settlement in central Syria.

Palmyra developed around a spring-fed oasis on important caravan routes linking Mesopotamia, the Mediterranean, and the Arabian Peninsula. Its location enabled the city to become a wealthy trading centre, especially during the Roman period.

The Syrian Desert, also called the Syrian steppe, extends across parts of Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. It is not uniformly covered by sand; large areas consist of gravel plains, rocky surfaces, and steppe vegetation.

Palmyra is famous for its monumental Roman-era remains, including the Temple of Bel, colonnaded streets, and a large theatre. Although the city is commonly associated with Syria, its wider desert setting crosses several modern national borders.