Syria is one of the oldest inhabited regions in the world with archaeological finds dating the first human habitation at c. 700,000 years ago. The Dederiyeh Cave near Aleppo has produced a number of significant finds, such as bones, placing Neanderthal habitation in the region at that time and shows continual occupation of the site over a substantial period. The region was known as Eber Nari ('across the river') by the Mesopotamians and included modern-day Syria, Lebanon, and Israel (collectively known as The Levant). Eber Nari is referenced in the biblical books of Ezra and Nehemiah as well as in reports by the scribes of Assyrian and Persian kings. The modern name of Syria is claimed by some scholars to have derived from Herodotus' habit of referring to the whole of Mesopotamia as 'Assyria'.
Prehistoric Period:
Syria's history dates back to the prehistoric era, with evidence of human habitation dating to the Paleolithic period. Early societies engaged in hunting and gathering in the region.
Bronze Age:
Syria was home to several significant Bronze Age civilizations, including the Eblaite Kingdom and the city of Mari. Ebla, in particular, was known for its advanced writing system and extensive trade networks.
Hittite and Mitanni Empires:
In the second millennium BCE, Syria came under the influence of the Hittite and Mitanni empires, which controlled parts of the region for a time.
Arameans:
The Arameans, a Semitic people, settled in Syria around the 12th century BCE and established several city-states. Their Aramaic language became widely used in the region.
Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian Empires:
Syria was repeatedly conquered by the Assyrians and Neo-Babylonians, who ruled the region for several centuries. Major cities like Damascus and Mari fell under their control.
Persian Empire:
In the 6th century BCE, Syria became part of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, which extended its influence over the entire Near East, including present-day Iran, Iraq, and Anatolia.
Hellenistic Period:
After the conquests of Alexander the Great, Syria became part of the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire. Greek culture, language, and administration left a significant impact on the region.
Roman and Byzantine Periods:
Syria was incorporated into the Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Empire, with the city of Antioch serving as a major center of commerce, culture, and Christianity.
Islamic Conquest:
In the 7th century CE, Muslim armies under the Rashidun Caliphs conquered Syria, bringing Islam to the region. Damascus became an important Islamic city.
Umayyad Caliphate:
During the Umayyad Caliphate, Damascus served as the capital, and Syria played a crucial role in the early expansion of Islam. The Umayyad Mosque in Damascus remains a significant historical and religious site.
Crusader Period:
Syria experienced periods of Crusader rule during the medieval era. Major cities like Aleppo and Antioch were contested by Crusaders and Muslims.
Ottoman Empire:
Syria came under Ottoman rule in the 16th century and remained part of the Ottoman Empire until World War I.
French Mandate and Independence:
After World War I, Syria came under French mandate but gained independence in 1946, forming the modern nation of Syria.
Ancient Aleppo, often referred to as "Halab" in historical texts, has a history spanning thousands of years. The expansive history of Aleppo includes a tapestry of civilizations, the Hittites, Assyrians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and various Islamic dynasties. Read more
Palmyra, also known as Tadmor in Arabic, is renowned for its rich historical and archaeological heritage. The history of Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dates back to at least the second millennium BCE when it was a prominent caravan stop in the desert. Read more
Krak des Chevaliers, Qal'at al-Hosn, is a magnificent testament to medieval military architecture in the Middle East. This formidable fortress is widely regarded as one of the most impressive and best-preserved castles from the era of the Crusades. Read more
The Umayyad Mosque, also called the Great Mosque of Damascus, was built on the site of the Roman Temple of Jupiter which was converted into the Church of St John the Baptist in 379 CE. It is the earliest surviving stone mosque, built between 705 and 715 CE by the Umayyads. After the Islamic conquest of Damascus, the holy site was shared between the Christians and the Muslims of the city. By the succession of the Umayyad Caliph al-Walid bin Abd al-Malik, the church was demolished and a vast congregational mosque constructed instead.
Ancient Damascus, known as "Dimashq" in Arabic, is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Damascus boasts a storied past that spans thousands of years, dating back to the earliest civilizations of the Middle East. Read more
Ancient Bosra, also known as Bostra, is a captivating window into the depths of history. With a history spanning millennia, Bosra is a testament to the rise and fall of civilizations that have shaped this region. Read more
The ancient city of Jerash, known as Gerasa in antiquity is one of the most impeccably preserved archaeological sites of the Roman Empire. Once a thriving trade hub and a vibrant center of Hellenistic and Roman influence, Jerash's remarkable architectural heritage bears witness to its illustrious past. Read more
The temple of the Storm God has sat at the top of the citadel mound of the ancient city of Aleppo in Syria for four and a half millennia, buried for nearly three of those beneath later architectural remains. A German expedition working on the citadel since 1996 has recovered the plan of the temple in all its phases, from the Early Bronze through the Iron Ages. These finds provide important artistic, religious, and historical data for the period of the Hittite domination and the subsequent Neo-Hittite period in the region.
The Bimaristan Nur al-Din, a hospital dating from the 6th Century Hijrah (circa 12th century CE), is one of the most famous buildings in Damascus. At the time of its construction, it was considered remarkably new and refined, a sentiment recorded by the memoirs of the Valencian voyager from al-Andalus, Ibn Jubayr. It functioned as a therapeutic refuge for the sick as well as a medical school for aspiring physicians. The Bimaristan Nur al-Din currently functions as a Museum of Arabic Medicine and Science.
The Roman-era city of Jerash was remodelled in the middle of the 1st century CE, and a complete rebuilding programme was launched. It was laid out on a north-south axis intersected by two side streets running east-west and marked by two tetrapyla. The Southern Tetrapylon marked the intersection of the Cardo Maximus with the South Decumanus. All that remains of it today are four solid pedestals embellished with niches. The North Tetrapylon lies at the intersection of the Cardo with the North Decumanus. It was erected between 165 and 170 CE. It was a square-shaped structure with a gate on each side and topped with a dome.
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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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Madain Project: Encyclopedia of Abrahamic History & Archaeology. Copyright 2017 - 2023.
