Ancient Damascus (دمشق) is the capital of Syria, colloquially known in Syria as aš-Šām (الشام) and titled the "City of Jasmine" (مدينة الياسمين). First settled in the second millennium BCE, it was chosen as the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate from 661 to 750. After the victory of the Abbasid dynasty, the seat of Islamic power was moved to Baghdad.

Back to Middle East / Syria

Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, boasts a rich and multifaceted history that spans millennia. Situated in present-day Syria, Damascus occupies a strategic location on the eastern foothills of the Anti-Lebanon mountain range, nestled between the Barada and Awaj rivers. This advantageous geographic position facilitated its development into a pivotal center for trade and cultural exchange throughout the ancient Near East.

The city's origins trace back to the third millennium BCE, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities globally. Early settlements in the area were associated with the ancient culture of Ebla, and Damascus emerged as a significant urban center by the second millennium BCE, mentioned in ancient Egyptian texts and the Bible. In the first millennium BCE, Damascus fell under the rule of various powers, including the Arameans, Assyrians, and Babylonians, before becoming part of the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BCE.

During the Hellenistic period following Alexander the Great's conquests, Damascus experienced Greek cultural influence but retained its Semitic and Aramean roots. In 64 BCE, Damascus was incorporated into the Roman Empire under Pompey the Great after his conquest of the region. Roman rule brought prosperity and urban development, including the construction of roads, temples, and civic buildings, marking Damascus as a vital hub in the Roman province of Syria.

In the seventh century CE, Damascus was conquered by the Arab Muslim armies during the Islamic expansion. Under the Umayyad Caliphate, Damascus flourished as the capital of the Islamic world from 661 to 750 CE. The Umayyads established impressive architectural projects, such as the Umayyad Mosque (also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus), which remains a revered landmark and a symbol of the city's Islamic heritage.

Throughout the subsequent centuries, Damascus continued to play a prominent role in the Islamic world, serving as a center for trade, scholarship, and culture. It weathered numerous dynastic changes, including periods of Seljuk, Ayyubid, and Mamluk rule. In the early 16th century, Damascus came under Ottoman control, marking a new chapter in its history as part of the Ottoman Empire until the early 20th century.

In modern times, Damascus has faced challenges, including political upheavals and conflicts. However, its historical significance and cultural heritage remain resilient, attracting visitors and scholars alike to explore its ancient streets, archaeological sites, and diverse cultural tapestry that reflects its storied past as one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.

History of Damascus