Extremists Set off Explosions at Ancient Syrian Temple Listen Download Embed Share Share this on Facebook (Opens in a new window) Share this on Twitter (Opens in a new window) Share this via Email An oasis in the Syrian desert, north-east of Damascus, Palmyra contains the monumental ruins of a great city that was one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world. ( DigitalGlobe / Getty ) Produced by Mythili Rao Produced by PRI and WNYC