1.   The city straddles the intersection of important rail lines and motorways running east to west and north to south.

2.   The city straddles the Tennessee River and is surrounded by mountains, most prominently Lookout Mountain, the local landmark.

3.   Archaeologists have unearthed a medieval market in Palmyra, a famous Syrian city that long straddled the trade routes of the Middle East.

4.   Archaeologists have unearthed a medieval market in Palmyra, a Syrian city that long straddled the trade routes of the Middle East.