New publication on the Palmyrene portraiture by Julia Steding.

Private planes, fast cars, yachts, diamonds and fancy watches – we know the signs of wealth when we see them. But have you ever considered that status symbols vary greatly across cultures, and that indications of luxury have varied historically?

Royals have done it since the 15th century. Later the tradition was adopted by heads of state. And today rulers, celebrities and ordinary people alike make frequent use of this practice. Requesting the creation of portrait art has, for many years, been a most favoured way of immortalising oneself or a family member.

It is now possible to explore the virtual exhibition 'Excavating Archives: Narratives from 20th-Century Palmyra'.

On 11 June, the award-winning documentary on Palmyra that follows the researchers from the Palmyra Portrait Project will be broadcasted again.