Description: Interior of Family Tomb with multiple vaults by atufft, 4 more photos Send Photo to a FriendThe Palmyrans were into embalming their dead and resting them in elaborate burial chambers, as is evident in the towers with the valley of the tombs. These structures house the remains of various families, and so the size and complexity reveals the wealth and power of the family in Palmyran society. I don't recall any emphasis upon burial of servants and personal effects, such as was done in Egypt and elsewhere, rather, like much of the architecture and cultural practices of Palmyra in general, these tombs bear a greater resemblance to the burial practices of the Greeks and Romans. Recall that this was a city of merchants who spared no expense to build monuments for self-glorification, but their dedication to religion may have been for show of status rather than great devotion for the time. Hiking in this area can take an hour or more depending upon the depth of interest. Originally, this was the entrance into the city from the west.