Earlier twentieth century historians, such as Henri Seyrig and Denis Van Berchem, attributed those towers to the reign of emperor Justinian in the sixth century, based on the writings of the historian Procopius, who stated that Justinian strengthened the city’s defences. However, the majority of other Roman U-shaped towers in the region date to the fourth century.[5] Comparative analysis of the Palmyrene U-shaped towers and similar structures from the region that are firmly dated to the fourth century suggests strongly that those defences are the work of Diocletian rather than Justinian. The statement of Procopius might be an exaggeration; this does not mean that Justinian did not restore the city’s walls, but it does not indicate the construction of new ramparts.[6]