Moqimu at The British Museum, London

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Moqimu, son of Moqimu, emerges as an imposing figure from a Palmyrene funerary relief. A limestone bust depicts him in vivid detail, showcasing his bearded face and standing posture against a backdrop of intricately draped fabric hanging from two ornate buckles that cradle feathers or leaves. Two rings adorn his right hand, one on his little finger and another on his index finger, while he holds a strip of writing material with ease. His eyeballs still retain their original coloration, imbuing the statue with an air of vitality. An inscription etched into the stone further underscores Moqimu's identity. These stone faces, representing Roman Syrians who lived between approximately AD 50-270, originate from tombs situated outside the city of Palmyra. Their fashion sense is distinctly Syrian, yet they are rendered in a realistic Roman style that captures their essence with remarkable accuracy. Three types of tombs were constructed for wealthy citizens: single-storey house tombs, multi-storey tomb towers, and underground rock-hewn tombs. Each tomb featured rows of compartments set into the walls to hold the remains of the deceased. A plaque bearing a stone portrait of the deceased accompanied by a concise inscription sealed each compartment, providing a poignant glimpse into the lives of those who came before.