The outcry over the threat to an ancient Syrian city by IS jihadists has raised concerns that the world cares more about saving old buildings than human lives. Yet if the city is destroyed, a vital link in our historical story of diversity, trade, religious tolerance and culture will be broken forever UNESCO describes the ancient city of Palmyra as “An oasis in the Syrian desert … the monumental ruins of a great city that was one of the most important cultural centres of the ancient world.” They go on to list its unique and wonderful buildings, calling them “an outstanding illustration of architecture and urban layout at the peak of Rome’s expansion in and engagement with the East”. Palmyra speaks to us from the mists of history; its ruins still boast