Skip to content 
Syria is in the heart of the Fertile Crescent. It has been a place of human life for over 700,000 years. The oldest human remains were found in the Dederiyeh Cave near Aleppo.
From the start of farming to the rise of cities like Ebla and Mari, Syria has seen many empires. Each one has left a mark on its culture.
Syria’s location on the Mediterranean coast made it important for trade. Many powerful civilizations, like the Egyptians and Romans, came here. They changed Syria’s language, buildings, and society.
The story of Syria is one of strength and change. It has faced many challenges but kept its identity and traditions.
From the Islamic golden age to today, Syria’s history is full of ups and downs. The Syrian people have always tried to keep their culture alive. As we learn about Syria’s history, we see the people’s strength and legacy.
Ancient Origins and Early Human Settlement
Syria’s history goes back thousands of years. People lived there as far back as the Middle Paleolithic Period. The area’s good climate and resources drew early settlers and helped create some of the world’s oldest civilizations.
Neanderthal Discoveries and Early Civilizations
Archaeologists found Neanderthal remains in Syria, dating back to around 200,000 years ago. These early humans lived in Syria’s varied landscape. They adapted well to their surroundings.
Later, during the Neolithic period (c. 10,000 BCE), people started farming and breeding animals. This big change in life marked the beginning of ancient Syria’s history.
Development of Agriculture and Early Communities
People started farming and domesticating animals like cattle, sheep, and goats. This led to the creation of early communities in Syria. These communities grew around 8000 BCE.
They focused on growing crops like wheat, barley, and legumes. They also raised livestock. This shift from hunting and gathering to farming helped cities grow.
First Urban Settlements
As time went on, the first cities appeared. Places like Hamoukar and Emar thrived from 4000 to 2000 BCE. These cities had complex societies, writing, and trade networks.
The discovery of Ebla in 1975 also revealed Syria’s early history. Ebla was a city-state that existed around 3000 BCE. It might have ruled over a vast empire from Anatolia to Mesopotamia.
The Rise of Great Syrian Cities: Ebla and Mari
In the ancient world, Ebla and Mari were two big cities in Syria. Ebla was founded in the 3rd millennium BCE and was a key place for trade and talks. Mari was started in the 5th millennium BCE and was also very important. People in both cities followed Sumerian ways and used the same script.
Exploring these old places has given us a lot of information. Ebla’s records show it was very rich and had a strong government. The city grew food like barley, wheat, and grapes. It also had animals like cows and pigs.
Ebla was good at making things like linen and metalwork. It traded goods like silver and wood. The city was smart about its wars and talks with others to keep its business going.
| City | Founded | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Ebla | 3rd millennium BCE | Major trade and diplomatic center Extensive agricultural production and manufacturing Controlled a network of 17 city-states Diplomatic and trade relations with cities like Emar and Khammazi |
| Mari | 5th millennium BCE | Flourished as a trade center and dominant state Worshiped Semitic and Sumerian deities Excavations yielded over 25,000 cuneiform tablets Engaged in a prolonged war with its rival Ebla |
Mari was also very important in ancient Syria. It started around 2900 BCE and was a big trade center until it was destroyed in 1759 BCE. Digging up Mari has found over 25,000 clay tablets. These show how the city was run and its talks with other places.
The stories of Ebla and Mari show how rich and complex Syria’s past was. They give us a peek into the amazing things these old civilizations did.
History of Syria Through Ancient Empires
Syria sits at a key spot where ancient worlds met. It has seen many empires rise and fall. From the Akkadian Empire’s conquests in the 23rd century BCE to the Persians’ rule in the 6th century BCE, Syria has been a stage for many powerful kingdoms.
Egyptian and Hittite Control
The Hurrian Kingdom of Mittani ruled northern Syria around 1475-1275 BCE. Then, the Hittite Empire took over under Suppiluliuma I. Egypt and the Hittites fought many battles over Syria, including the famous Battle of Kadesh in 1274 BCE.
Assyrian and Babylonian Rule
The Assyrian Empire took control of Syria, followed by the Neo-Babylonian Empire in the 6th century BCE. The Assyrians conquered and added the Aramaean and Neo-Hittite kingdoms of Syria to their empire from the mid-9th century BCE onwards.
Persian Dominance and Administration
In 539 BCE, the Persian Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus the Great conquered Syria. They made it part of their vast empire. The Persians kept a strong hand in the region, dividing Syria into two provinces: Syria Prima and Syria Secunda.
| Empire | Period of Control | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| Akkadian Empire | c. 2330 BCE | Conquered Syria under Sargon the Great |
| Hurrian Kingdom of Mittani | c. 1475-1275 BCE | Controlled northern Syria |
| Hittite Empire | c. 1275 BCE | Seized control from Mittani, fought Egypt for Syria |
| Assyrian Empire | mid-9th century BCE | Conquered and incorporated Aramaean and Neo-Hittite kingdoms |
| Neo-Babylonian Empire | 6th century BCE | Gained control of Syria after the fall of the Assyrians |
| Persian Achaemenid Empire | 539 BCE | Conquered Syria, divided it into two provinces |
“Syria’s strategic location at the crossroads of ancient civilizations has made it a battleground for numerous empires throughout its long history.”
Classical Syria Under Greek and Roman Rule
Syria’s history changed a lot when Alexander the Great conquered it in 333-332 BCE. The Seleucid Empire took over, with Antioch as its capital. The Seleucids fought many wars with Egypt over Syria.
Later, Syria became part of the Roman Empire. Palmyra, a key city on trade routes, became very important. It even had its own empire under Queen Zenobia in the 3rd century CE.
| Period | Key Events |
|---|---|
| Hellenistic Era | Alexander the Great conquers Syria (333-332 BCE) Seleucid Empire established with Antioch as capital Seleucid-Ptolemaic Syrian Wars |
| Roman Rule | Syria becomes a Roman province (64 BCE) Palmyra rises to prominence, establishes own empire (3rd century CE) Syria divided into multiple provinces during the Roman era |
The Hellenistic and Roman periods were big parts of hellenistic syria and roman syria. The seleucid empire and then the Roman Empire ruled. Cities like Antioch and Palmyra grew strong. People spoke Greek and Aramaic.
Islamic Golden Age in Syria
The Islamic Golden Age had a big impact on Syria. This region was key in the cultural, scientific, and economic growth of the time. After the Muslim conquest in 637 CE, Damascus became the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate.
Muslim Conquest and Umayyad Period
The Umayyad Caliphate ruled from 661 to 750 CE. Syria, and Damascus in particular, thrived. Scholars, artists, and traders came from everywhere.
The Umayyads built grand mosques, palaces, and buildings. This made Damascus a center of Islamic culture.
Cultural and Scientific Achievements
The Islamic Golden Age saw a lot of growth in Syria. It became a place of learning. Scholars from all over translated and kept ancient knowledge alive.
People in Syria made big discoveries in math, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy. They helped start the Islamic intellectual tradition.
Trade and Economic Prosperity
Syria’s location helped it grow economically. It was at the center of trade routes. This made it a place of commerce and cultural exchange.
This prosperity helped the region grow culturally and intellectually. It became a vibrant society.
The Islamic Golden Age in Syria changed the region forever. It shaped its culture, science, and economy. The legacy of this time is seen in Syria’s rich heritage and the work of its scholars.
| Significant Figures of the Islamic Golden Age in Syria | Contributions |
|---|---|
| Al-Farabi | Philosopher, logician, and music theorist who played a key role in blending ancient Greek philosophy with Islamic thought |
| Ibn Rushd (Averroes) | Important philosopher, physician, and jurist who combined Aristotelian philosophy with Islamic theology |
| Al-Battani | Astronomer and mathematician who made big steps in trigonometry and astronomy |
| Al-Razi | Pioneering physician and alchemist who made key contributions to medicine and chemistry |
“The Islamic Golden Age was a time of unmatched intellectual and cultural growth. Syria was at the heart of this amazing change.”
The Ottoman Era and Colonial Period
Syria’s history was greatly changed by the Ottoman Empire. They took over in 1516 and ruled for over 400 years. Major places like Damascus and Aleppo were under their control.
The Ottomans had a tax system in Syria. It included taxes on land, people, and goods. This system was in place for a long time.
In the 17th century, Aleppo and Lebanon’s Christian communities grew. But by the 18th century, the Ottomans’ power in Syria started to fade. This led to poor administration and farming.
In the 18th century, the ʿAẓm family ruled Damascus. They kept order and controlled the Janissaries. This was a time of relative peace.
At the start of the 19th century, Aleppo and Damascus were thriving. Each city had about 100,000 people. But then, Egyptian ruler Muḥammad ʿAlī’s son Ibrāhīm Pasha took over Syria in 1831.
Ibrāhīm Pasha wanted to push back Bedouin tribes and improve farming. He also wanted to keep European traders safe. But his heavy taxes and conscription plans were unpopular.
After European help in 1840, Syria went back to the sultan. But World War I brought a new era. The Sykes-Picot Agreement of 1916 divided ottoman syria between Britain and France. France took control of syrian mandate in 1920.
This led to many uprisings against french mandate. The Great Syrian Revolt of 1925-1927 was one of them.
“The Sykes-Picot Agreement of 1916 divided the Ottoman territories between British and French spheres of influence, setting the stage for decades of colonial rule in Syria.”
The French gave autonomy to groups like the Alawis and Druze. This was to prevent Sunni dominance. They also recognized the Alawis as Muslim in 1936.
Syria’s Path to Independence
Syria’s journey to freedom from French rule was hard. It took years to get full freedom, even after a treaty in 1936. After gaining freedom in 1946, Syria faced many challenges.
French Mandate Period
After World War I, Syria was ruled by France. This lasted from 1920 to 1946. France had a big impact on Syria during this time.
Formation of Modern Syria
The road to Syria’s freedom was not easy. In 1958, Syria joined with Egypt. But this union ended in 1961. The 1960s saw more coups and changes.
Despite many obstacles, Syria became fully independent in 1946. This was a big step for Syria. But, the country faced more challenges ahead.
“The path to Syrian independence was neither smooth nor linear, but the country eventually gained full sovereignty in 1946, marking a significant milestone in its history.”
The Assad Dynasty and Modern Syria
The Assad family has ruled Syria for a long time. Hafez al-Assad took power in 1970. He ruled for 30 years until he died in 2000. His son, Bashar, then became president and kept the family in power.
Bashar al-Assad was born in 1965 in Damascus. He was seen as a chance for change when he became president. But, he soon started to act like his father, controlling everything tightly. Syria became isolated from the world because of its actions.
- Hafez al-Assad, a former military officer, seized power in 1970 and established an authoritarian regime that lasted for three decades.
- His son, Bashar al-Assad, succeeded him as president in 2000, continuing the family’s grip on power.
- Bashar al-Assad initially showed promise of reform, but quickly reverted to the regime’s oppressive policies, cracking down on dissent and maintaining tight control over the country.
- Syria became increasingly isolated internationally due to its support for terrorist groups and involvement in regional conflicts under the Assad dynasty.
The Syrian government under the Assad family has faced a lot of criticism. People say they abuse human rights and suppress opposition. The war in Syria has also hurt the country’s economy and social life.
“The Assad regime’s brutality and repression have fueled the ongoing conflict in Syria, causing immense suffering for the Syrian people.”
Syrian Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Treasures
Syria has many ancient sites and monuments. These show its rich history. Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a big example. It shows the grandeur of an ancient civilization.
The Krak des Chevaliers, a Crusader castle, and Aleppo, a once-thriving city, also show Syria’s heritage. They give us a peek into the past.
The civil war has harmed Syria’s cultural treasures a lot. The Ummayad Mosque in Aleppo lost its minaret in 2013. Unesco says over 60% of Aleppo’s Old City is gone.
But, Syria’s ancient sites are fascinating. They have six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like Damascus. Yet, saving these sites is hard because of the war.
Preserving Syria’s sites is important. It helps future generations and supports tourism. But, it’s hard without enough help.
FAQ
What is the history of Syria?
Syria is very old, with people living there for 700,000 years. Many empires like Egyptians and Romans ruled Syria. Its location made it a key spot for trade and conquest.
What are some of the ancient civilizations that developed in Syria?
Neanderthals lived in Syria 200,000 years ago. The first farmers and cattle breeders came later. Cities like Ebla and Emar grew during the Bronze Age.
Ebla was a big city-state from 3000 BCE. It controlled areas as far as Anatolia and Mesopotamia.
What were some of the important ancient cities in Syria?
Ebla and Mari were key cities. Ebla was a major trade center. Mari was another big city.
Both cities used Sumerian script and followed Sumerian ways.
How was Syria ruled by ancient empires?
Many empires ruled Syria. The Akkadian Empire and Hittites were among them. The Assyrians and Persians also controlled the region.
What was the influence of Greek and Roman rule in Syria?
Alexander the Great took Syria in 333-332 BCE. It became part of the Seleucid Empire. Later, it was a Roman province.
Palmyra became famous under Queen Zenobia in the 3rd century CE.
How did the Islamic conquest and rule impact Syria?
Muslims took Syria in 637 CE. Damascus became the Islamic world’s capital. Syria became a center of learning and trade.
What was the Ottoman and colonial period like in Syria?
The Ottomans took Syria in 1516. The French took over in 1920. This led to uprisings against French rule.
How did Syria achieve independence?
Syria got its freedom from France in 1946. But, it faced many problems after that. The Ba’ath Party took power in 1963.
What is the history of the Assad dynasty in Syria?
Hafez al-Assad ruled from 1970 until his death in 2000. His son Bashar took over. Bashar was expected to bring change, but he didn’t.
What are some of the cultural and archaeological treasures of Syria?
Syria has many ancient sites. Palmyra and Aleppo are famous. It has six UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
But, the civil war has damaged many of these sites. This has worried people worldwide.
