2 Using what you have learnt in this section, write a response to the following question: ‘Howwas Palmyrene culture affected by Eastern and Western traditions?’ (Explain: Relate causeand effect, make the relationships between things evident, provide why and/or how.)To help you plan your response:• identify the aspects of the topic you will address, e.g. art, religion, or Greek, Roman,Babylonian etc.• use these aspects to structure your answer• show how aspects of Palmyrene culture were affected by Eastern and Western traditions• use specic evidence from the sources to support your discussion.

Palmyrene culture was significantly influenced by both Eastern and Western traditions, creating a unique blend of cultural elements. This influence can be seen in various aspects of Palmyrene society, including art, religion, and language.

In terms of art, Palmyrene sculpture and architecture were heavily influenced by Greco-Roman styles, as seen in the grand colonnaded streets and monumental arches of the city. However, these Western elements were often combined with Eastern motifs and techniques, such as the use of frontal poses in sculpture, which is a characteristic of Persian art.

Religion in Palmyra also reflected a mix of Eastern and Western traditions. The Palmyrenes worshipped a variety of deities, some of which were borrowed from the Greek and Roman pantheons, such as Zeus and Athena. However, they also worshipped Semitic gods like Baal and Bel, indicating a strong influence from Eastern religions.

The Palmyrene language further illustrates this cultural blend. While the official language of the city was Greek, the local dialect of Aramaic was also widely spoken, reflecting the city's location at the crossroads of the Eastern and Western worlds.

Specific evidence of these influences can be found in the archaeological remains of Palmyra. For example, the Temple of Bel, one of the city's most important religious sites, features a mix of Greco-Roman and Near Eastern architectural elements. Similarly, many Palmyrene funerary reliefs depict individuals in Greek-style clothing but with Eastern-style hairstyles and accessories.

In conclusion, Palmyrene culture was deeply affected by both Eastern and Western traditions. This influence is evident in various aspects of Palmyrene society, from art and religion to language, creating a unique cultural blend that is characteristic of this ancient city.