In 2007, CNN Correspondent Ivan Watson visited the ancient desert city of Palmyra, Syria as a tourist on the bus. It was an "astounding sight," he recalls: "A thousand year old city remarkably preserved in the middle of the desert." Now, the site is under grave threat from ISIS.
In 2007, CNN Correspondent Ivan Watson visited the ancient desert city of Palmyra, Syria as a tourist on the bus. It was an "astounding sight," he recalls: "A thousand year old city remarkably preserved in the middle of the desert." Now, the site is under grave threat from ISIS.
Ivan Watson/CNN
The ruins of Palmyra are a cultural oasis. Even today, the landscape is filled with ancient Greco-Roman columns, arches, temples and an amphitheater.
The ruins of Palmyra are a cultural oasis. Even today, the landscape is filled with ancient Greco-Roman columns, arches, temples and an amphitheater.
Ivan Watson/CNN
Once a wealthy caravan town, Palmyra had been an important stop on trade routes that once linked Rome to east Asia. Today this historical treasure stands at the mercy of ISIS fighters, who have seized the area.
Once a wealthy caravan town, Palmyra had been an important stop on trade routes that once linked Rome to east Asia. Today this historical treasure stands at the mercy of ISIS fighters, who have seized the area.
Ivan Watson/CNN
A sign hangs on the side of the road toward Palmyra, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A sign hangs on the side of the road toward Palmyra, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ivan Watson/CNN
The Crac des Chevaliers, a Crusader castle in Syria, was well-preserved when Watson visited in 2007. But fighting between rebels and Syrian regime forces has since damaged this historical site.
The Crac des Chevaliers, a Crusader castle in Syria, was well-preserved when Watson visited in 2007. But fighting between rebels and Syrian regime forces has since damaged this historical site.
Ivan Watson/CNN
The castle was built in the 11th century and functioned for centuries as a military base.
The castle was built in the 11th century and functioned for centuries as a military base.
Ivan Watson/CNN
"It looked like something that belonged in Normandy," remembers Watson.
"It looked like something that belonged in Normandy," remembers Watson.
Ivan Watson/CNN
The Crac de Chavaliers is pictured from afar on a hilltop.
The Crac de Chavaliers is pictured from afar on a hilltop.
Ivan Watson/CNN