IN PICTURES: Syria's Palmyra

A rich family from the ancient Syrian oasis city of Palmyra, 215 kilometres northeast of Damascus, displayed at the city's museum (AFP)

Hundreds of statues and ancient artefacts from Palmyra's museum have been transferred out of the city as Islamic State (AFP)

Ancient columns line the streets of Palmyra to this day (AFP)

The town was once a major trading post between east and west (AFP)

13th century castle towers over ancient Roman runis (AFP)

Locals walk past the ruins (AFP)

Roman ruins backed by 13th century castle (AFP)

Palmyra is one of the best preserved Roman ruinis in the world (AFP)

A government solider stands guard (AFP)

Palmyra has seen heavy fighting between IS and government forces in recent days (AFP)

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