The History of Syria
There is no doubt that the greatest feature of Syria is its very rich history, dating back to the very beginning of civilization. The Beginning: |
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 Library at Ebla |
Centuries of Invasion: The piece of land which is now Syria has been fought over and colonized for the last several millennia by many cultures and Empires, including the Persians, Greeks (led by Alexander the Great), Romans, Arabs, Crusaders and Ottomans. Many of their cities and monuments such as Palmyra, Apamea, Bosra, and Byzantine 'Dead Cities' are still standing to this day, having survived countless natural disasters and human invasions. |
| Christianity and Islam: Syria has also been the melting pot for the monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It played a very important role in early Christianity, as is evident in several biblical passages. St. Paul, John the Baptist, and other biblical personages all left their mark in Christian vestiges spread across Syrian land (such as the Ananais Chapel, and the churches of Maaloula and Seidnaya). The peaceful integration of Islam had an incredible impact on the Syrian people. Its teachings were quickly absorbed, many converted, and many participated in ending the Byzantine occupation of Syria. This is the land where the famous crusader battles took place between Richard the Lion Heart and Saladin. |
 Umayad Mosque |