Ancient Greater Syria History

At one time in history, Syria (also known as Greater Syria) covered a much larger area geographically than it does today. In ancient times, Greater Syria encompassed the modern day country, as well as Israel, parts of Jordan, Kurdistan, Israel, and Palestinian territories. It connected three continents as a crossroads of the Caspian Sea, the Indian Ocean, the Black Sea, and the Nile River.

Trade and Transformations in Greater Syria

Due to its prime location among growing cultures and economies, it was a busy portal for trade and dealings for the Mesopotamians, Egyptians, Anatolians, and Aegeans. Much of this trade activity was controlled by the city of Elba, an ancient Syrian kingdom in the mountains.

Greater Syria was in a vulnerable position throughout most of its history, since it was between the Arabian Desert and the Mediterranean Sea. This is most evident during its conquer by the Romans in 64 B.C. when the Greek and Seleucid rules were replaced by Rome?s emperors. During the transition, the land was divided into 2 main provinces called Syria Prima and Syria Secunda, with further divisions within each province.

Syria was influenced by the Romans who invaded the area in its early history, and it also benefited from numerous other people and cultures who found their way to the land. Important cities were built and cultures transformed with the blending of immigrants and native people. These migrating groups included the Arameans, Akkadians, Amorites, Phoenicians, and Canaanites.

Important Cities in Ancient Syria History

While there are several cities that made Syrian history, including Hamah, Homs, Palmyra, and others, there are three that stand out the most.

Antioch: This was the capital of Syria Prima after the Romans invaded and divided Greater Syria into two sections. It was founded by Alexander?s general Nicator. Lying along the Orontes River, it was a central location for imports and exports.

Aleppo: As one of the oldest cities in the world that has been continuously occupied, Aleppo was the major city of Syria Prima. It was a place for caravans to stop when they were traveling to Baghdad and other cities at a faraway distance. Christianity had roots here during the Byzantine Empire.

Damascus: Being the capital of Phoenicia Secunda, one of the divisions of Syria Secunda, Damascus was a large and thriving city. It is competing with Aleppo as one of the oldest cities to be occupied continuously throughout history. Damascus was home to a large arms manufacturing center for war, which was established by Diocletian.

To find out more about the history of the ancient world, visit World Ancient History

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