Ancient Apamea (آفاميا) was an ancient Greek and Roman city, situated on the eastern side of the Orontes River. The site is about 55 km (34 mi) to the northwest of Hama, Syria, overlooking the Ghab valley.
Many remains of the ancient acropolis are still standing, consisting probably of the remains of highly decorated temples of which Sozomen speaks; it is now enclosed in ancient castle walls called Kalat el-Mudik (Kŭlat el-Mudîk); the remainder of the ancient city is to be found in the plain.
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Ancient Apamea, located in modern-day Syria, holds a rich history dating back over two millennia. Founded by Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander the Great's generals, in the 4th century BCE, Apamea was strategically positioned on the Orontes River, facilitating trade and serving as a key administrative center within the Seleucid Empire. Named after Seleucus' Persian wife, Apama, the city flourished as a hub of commerce and culture, benefiting from its fertile surroundings and favorable geographic location.
During its peak under Roman rule in the 1st century BCE, Apamea experienced a period of prosperity and growth, becoming renowned for its colonnaded street, one of the longest and most impressive in the ancient world. This grand thoroughfare, stretching over 1.85 kilometers (1.15 miles), showcased the city's architectural prowess and served as a testament to its economic and cultural significance. The city's prosperity continued through the Byzantine era, marked by Christian influences and further architectural developments.
However, Apamea faced numerous challenges over the centuries, including invasions, earthquakes, and shifts in political control. Despite these setbacks, remnants of its glorious past, including the majestic colonnade and other archaeological treasures, stand as poignant reminders of Apamea's enduring legacy as a center of commerce, culture, and architectural innovation in ancient Syria.
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Great Colonnade
The Great Colonnade in Apamea served as the principal colonnaded street in the ancient city located in the Orontes River valley in northwestern Syria. Constructed during the second century CE following the city's destruction in the 115 earthquake, this nearly 2-kilometer (1.2-mile) avenue comprised Apamea's main north-south axis, also known as the cardo maximus. Renowned as one of the longest and most celebrated colonnades in the Roman world, it stood as a monumental architectural marvel.
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Temple of Tyche
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Votive Column
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The Madain Project is an online archive of Abrahamic History and Archaeology.
Abrahamic History & Archaeology is the study of history and archaeology with respect to the three Abrahamic Faiths without considering the religious and theological aspects. The goal of Abrahamic History is to understand how and why the religious doctrines and behaviours have evlovled and changed over time. Searching for patterns in the evolution of significant cultural events such as the development of farming, the emergence of cities, or the collapse of major civilizations for clues of why and how these have influenced the three major Abrahamic religions.
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