Qasr al-Hayr al-Sharqi

This archer is part of a larger fresco, with musicians above from the Qasr al-Hayr al-Gharbi palace. It was constructed in the 7th cent. on the Damascus road, 80km SW of Palmyra. Built in part, to keep a watch over desert movement, but primarily as a hunting retreat. The surrounding landscape was even irrigated to attract vegetation and game! Surely this archer must be aiming for once such game animal. Following Mongol invasions, the palace was abandoned.