A land shaped by millennia of civilization.
Syria's history is one of the richest and most complex in the world, stretching back to the dawn of recorded history. Positioned at the heart of the ancient world, it was home to some of the earliest known urban centers and empires, including Ebla and Ugarit. Its strategic location made it a crucial part of major trade routes, inviting a continuous succession of civilizations to leave their mark.
From the Assyrians and Babylonians to the Greeks and Romans, and later the Islamic caliphates and the Ottomans, Syria has been a melting pot of cultures, religions, and ideas. This long and vibrant past has created a unique cultural tapestry, evident in its ancient ruins, historical cities, and diverse traditions that persist to this day.
Key periods that shaped the nation.
Home to ancient kingdoms like Ebla and Mari, Syria was a center of early writing, administration, and trade in the Fertile Crescent.
Following Alexander the Great's conquest, Syria became a hub of Greek culture. It later flourished as a Roman province, with cities like Palmyra and Apamea becoming major centers.
Under the Umayyad dynasty, Damascus became the capital of a vast Islamic empire, marking a golden age of art, science, and politics.
After centuries of Ottoman rule, Syria gained independence in 1946. It has since navigated a complex political landscape, marked by significant regional and internal events.