http://gallery.pictopia.com/providerasset/1/pictopia_logo.pnghttp://gallery.pictopia.com/providerasset/1/pictopia_logo.pnghttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/2012-02-04T05:12:12Z2012-02-04T05:12:12ZAnnie Griffiths/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/3914133/

The incredible remains of Palmyra, including monumental arches, ancient walls, towers and columns, line the eastern edges of the Syrian desert.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:3914133&size=128&m=1328361132.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:3914133&size=128&m=1328361132.0517305http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/3914133/Travel/Middle East2011-11-28T17:42:34ZRichard Nowitz/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/294340/

Shopping at the Khan el-Khalili Market.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:294340&size=128&m=1322530954.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:294340&size=128&m=1322530954.0971102http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/294340/Travel/Middle East2011-11-17T11:01:26ZJames L. Stanfield/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/272924/

King Darius I is portrayed in relief sculpture at palace ruins of Persepolis.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:272924&size=128&m=1321556486.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:272924&size=128&m=1321556486.0642653http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/272924/Travel/Middle East2010-12-16T08:09:28ZRichard Nowitz/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/294440/

The Sultan Hassan and Rifai Mosques.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:294440&size=128&m=1292515768.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:294440&size=128&m=1292515768.0971350http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/294440/Travel/Middle East2010-12-10T11:16:16ZTim Laman/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/286150/

A view of the ruins of the Library at Ephesus.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:286150&size=128&m=1292008576.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:286150&size=128&m=1292008576.0748253http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/286150/Travel/Middle East2010-12-10T11:16:16ZNational Geographic Image Collection/James L. Stanfieldhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/3705406/

Upward view of ruined arches in the south end of transept of the pilgrimage Chu rch of Saint Simeon. Built between 476 and 491, the complex is a well-known ex ample of Syro-Byzantine architecture.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:3705406&size=128&m=1292008576.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:3705406&size=128&m=1292008576.0263588http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/3705406/Travel/Middle East2010-09-09T06:10:23ZJimmy Chin/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/283942/

Two hikers in Charakusa Valley, Karakoram, Pakistan.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:283942&size=128&m=1284037823.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:283942&size=128&m=1284037823.0731638http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/283942/Travel/Middle East2010-07-02T15:51:12ZJames P. Blair/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/267292/

Exterior view of the Masjid-I-Shah Mosque in Isfahan.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:267292&size=128&m=1278111072.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:267292&size=128&m=1278111072.0212818http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/267292/Travel/Middle East2009-12-01T19:36:49ZMichael Melford/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/290597/

Children play and adults talk outside a village building.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:290597&size=128&m=1259725009.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:290597&size=128&m=1259725009.0764043http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/290597/Travel/Middle East2009-10-11T06:09:50ZJoseph Baylor Roberts/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/278125/

Farm people on their way to the village of Salman Pak.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:278125&size=128&m=1255266590.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:278125&size=128&m=1255266590.0697637http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/278125/Travel/Middle East2009-07-08T07:44:15ZRandy Olson/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/284409/

Relief sculpture of an Assyrian king at Nimrud. Assyrian kings were reviled in the Bible. However, they created the first truly international empire where trade, religion, and artistic ideas flowed freely. Archaeologists are hoping that new excavation at places like Nimrud could begin as early as next year, providing them with a fresh understanding of an ancient culture that preceded the Persian, Greek, and Roman empires.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:284409&size=128&m=1247064255.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:284409&size=128&m=1247064255.0735407http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/284409/Travel/Middle East2008-07-22T11:40:48ZSteve Raymer/NationalGeographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/5212920/

Pillars of a Sabaean moon-god temple jut from the desert near Marib, Yemen, offering clues to a powerful kingdom that may have been ruled by the legendary Queen of Sheba, mentioned in both the Koran and the Bible.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:5212920&size=128&m=1216752048.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:5212920&size=128&m=1216752048.0278456http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/5212920/Travel/Middle East2008-07-14T16:56:06ZNewsha Tavakolian/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/5096455/

Excavations at Konar Sandal, near Jiroft, have yielded signs of a vibrant civilization some 5,000 years ago.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:5096455&size=128&m=1216079766.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:5096455&size=128&m=1216079766.01173881http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/5096455/Travel/Middle East2008-04-08T13:13:52ZJimmy Chin/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/283960/

A climber stands atop Tahir Tower, Karakoram Mountains, Pakistan.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:283960&size=128&m=1207685632.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:283960&size=128&m=1207685632.0731661http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/283960/Travel/Middle East2006-12-05T13:52:06ZRichard Nowitz/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/294342/

Woven rugs on display in a weaving schools showroom.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:294342&size=128&m=1165355526.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:294342&size=128&m=1165355526.0971114http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/294342/Travel/Middle East2006-12-05T13:52:06ZRichard Nowitz/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/272990/

View of columns from the ancient Roman city of Jaresh.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:272990&size=128&m=1165355526.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:272990&size=128&m=1165355526.0643713http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/272990/Travel/Middle East2006-12-05T13:52:06ZThomas J. Abercrombie/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/270710/

The Mosque of Al-Rawdha at sunset.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:270710&size=128&m=1165355526.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:270710&size=128&m=1165355526.0417186http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/270710/Travel/Middle East2006-12-05T13:52:06ZJames P. Blair/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/286715/

Meidan-e-Shah Square and Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan, Iran. This huge main square, the Meidan-e-Shah, a grand example of city planning, is lined by the Sheik Lotfollah Mosque and the Kings Mosque. It was once a polo field for a former Shah.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:286715&size=128&m=1165355526.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:286715&size=128&m=1165355526.0749727http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/286715/Travel/Middle East2006-12-05T13:52:06ZRichard Nowitz/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/294343/

Woven rugs on display in a weaving schools showroom.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:294343&size=128&m=1165355526.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:294343&size=128&m=1165355526.0971115http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/294343/Travel/Middle East2006-12-05T13:52:06ZMaynard Owen Williams/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/278057/

East Wall, looking south, near Saint Stephens Gate.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:278057&size=128&m=1165355526.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:278057&size=128&m=1165355526.0697361http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/278057/Travel/Middle East2006-12-05T13:52:06ZRichard Nowitz/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/294344/

Woven rugs on display in a weaving schools showroom.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:294344&size=128&m=1165355526.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:294344&size=128&m=1165355526.0971116http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/294344/Travel/Middle East2006-12-05T13:52:06ZW. Robert Moore/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/278065/

The meandering asphalt road between Hofuf and Riyadh is partly laid on gravel and partly on sand.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:278065&size=128&m=1165355526.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:278065&size=128&m=1165355526.0697369http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/278065/Travel/Middle East2006-12-05T13:52:06ZJimmy Chin/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/283273/

The Karakoram Ranges Naysar Peak.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:283273&size=128&m=1165355526.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:283273&size=128&m=1165355526.0729122http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/283273/Travel/Middle East2006-12-05T13:52:06ZRandy Olson/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/284408/

A carved figure decorates one of the many arches at Hatra. Hatra, which combines Roman, Persian, and Arabic influences, was an important religious center around the time of Christ. Parts of the city were damaged from war and looters. However, thanks to the protection of local tribes and the U.S. military, the ruins suffered only minor damage.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:284408&size=128&m=1165355526.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:284408&size=128&m=1165355526.0735404http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/284408/Travel/Middle East2006-12-05T13:52:06ZRichard Nowitz/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/294368/

Tourists view the Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrasa.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:294368&size=128&m=1165355526.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:294368&size=128&m=1165355526.0971149http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/294368/Travel/Middle East2006-12-05T13:52:06ZJimmy Chin/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/283941/

A camp set up in Charakusa Valley, Karakoram, Pakistan.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:283941&size=128&m=1165355526.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:283941&size=128&m=1165355526.0731637http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/283941/Travel/Middle East2006-12-05T13:52:06ZW. Robert Moore/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/267163/

A line of dromedary camels.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:267163&size=128&m=1165355526.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:267163&size=128&m=1165355526.0171863http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/267163/Travel/Middle East2006-12-05T13:52:06ZRichard Nowitz/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/294370/

The Sultan Hassan and Rifai Mosques.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:294370&size=128&m=1165355526.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:294370&size=128&m=1165355526.0971151http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/294370/Travel/Middle East2006-12-05T13:52:06ZW. Robert Moore/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/279211/

An Egyptian man looks out over the city from a trellised walkway.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:279211&size=128&m=1165355526.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:279211&size=128&m=1165355526.0706579http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/279211/Travel/Middle East2006-12-05T13:52:06ZJimmy Chin/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/283955/

Porters carry equipment over a bridge in Kondus Valley, Pakistan.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:283955&size=128&m=1165355526.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:283955&size=128&m=1165355526.0731656http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/283955/Travel/Middle East2006-12-05T13:52:06ZThomas J. Abercrombie/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/267236/

Arab walking on a large sand dune.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:267236&size=128&m=1165355526.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:267236&size=128&m=1165355526.0197379http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/267236/Travel/Middle East2006-12-05T13:52:06ZRandy Olson/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/284405/

A man writes while standing near the massive walls of Nineveh.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:284405&size=128&m=1165355526.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:284405&size=128&m=1165355526.0735400http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/284405/Travel/Middle East2006-12-05T13:52:06ZAnne Keiser/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/267558/

Sunrise over the Nile River.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:267558&size=128&m=1165355526.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:267558&size=128&m=1165355526.0292699http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/267558/Travel/Middle East2006-12-05T13:52:06ZRandy Olson/National Geographic Image Collectionhttp://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/284407/

Vandalized and eroded Assyrian carvings at the palace of King Sennacherib. Sun, rain, and looters have caused massive damage to historical sites. Assyrian carvings can sell for millions of dollars apiece.

//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:284407&size=128&m=1165355526.0//pictopia.com/perl/get_image?provider_id=318&ptp_photo_id=natgeo:284407&size=128&m=1165355526.0735401http://gallery.pictopia.com/natgeo/gallery/51584/photo/284407/Travel/Middle East