Syria: From Glory to Struggle for Survival

Syria's transformation from ancient civilization to modern conflict reflects its resilience, as it battles to rebuild a new nation amidst ongoing turmoil.

- Ruchira Talapatra

Syria's history is rich and complex, shaped by numerous events and influences, from ancient civilizations to modern conflicts. The modern Syrian state, located in the heart of the Middle East, has a history deeply intertwined with neighboring countries like Iraq, Turkey, Lebanon, and Russia, and continues to be a focal point of geopolitical tension, especially since the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War.

Syria's history dates back to the earliest known human settlements. The ancient city of Ebla, located in present-day northern Syria, was one of the first cities in the world, flourishing around 2500 BCE. Throughout antiquity, Syria was home to a succession of prominent civilizations, from the Sumerians and Akkadians to the Amorites and Arameans.

In the early first millennium BCE, Syria became the center of the Kingdom of Aram, with its capital at Damascus. Damascus, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, remains Syria's capital today. By the 4th century BCE, the region was part of the Seleucid Empire, a successor state to Alexander the Great's empire. One of the most notable cities from this period was Antioch, located near the Orontes River in what is now southern Turkey. Antioch was a major center of Hellenistic culture and the capital of the Seleucid Empire, influencing the region's politics, economy, and culture for centuries.

Antioch's historical importance continued throughout Roman and Byzantine times, and the city remained a critical cultural and religious hub. It was also a major center for early Christianity, giving rise to Christian communities and scholars who would shape the early church.

THE RISE AND FALL OF EMPIRES