Syria is the cradle of the great civilizations, and the accomplishments of her ancient people are renowned throughout the world.It was here that agriculture began ten thousand years a go, that settlement commenced and civilization emerged. Houses, not caves, became mans dwelling, and he embarked on a journey of self-discovery. He observed heaven and sang the earliest hymns. He tried his hand at drawing and sculpture. Evidence of these ancient arts are found all over Syria, at Mereibet, Jevroud, Yabroud, and on the river banks. Syria also presented the world with another discovery. It was here that copper was made pliable and bronze was invented. The Bronze civilization came in to being at Tel Halaf.
At Mari (Tel Hariri), by the Euphrates and elsewhere, there was an abundance of palaces; temples and murals reflecting advanced cultural and commercial activity.The kingdom of Ugarit (Ras Shamra) offered mankind the First Alphabet in history. At Ebla (Tel Merdikh), a royal palace was discovered containing one of the largest and most comprehensive documentary archives of the ancient world. These specialized in industrial, diplomatic, commercial and administrative matters, in addition to war and peace relations with other countries.
At Mari (Tel Hariri), by the Euphrates and elsewhere, there was an abundance of palaces; temples and murals reflecting advanced cultural and commercial activity.The kingdom of Ugarit (Ras Shamra) offered mankind the First Alphabet in history. At Ebla (Tel Merdikh), a royal palace was discovered containing one of the largest and most comprehensive documentary archives of the ancient world. These specialized in industrial, diplomatic, commercial and administrative matters, in addition to war and peace relations with other countries.
Tablet of King Zimri Lim in the Louvre
The immense strategic importance of Syria is due to her unique position as a meeting-point of three continents (Asia, Africa, and Europe), and as a crossroad between the Caspian Sea, the Indian Ocean, the Black Sea, and the Nile River. Through Syria lay the Silk Route which led from China to Doura Europos (Salhieh), from Palmyra and Homs to the Syrian ports on the Mediterranean, where for thousands of years Syrian seafarers had ridden the waves in their enormous fleets with gleaming white sails.
This geographical position lent distinction to the country, not only as a trade and caravan route, but also as a melting pot of diverse ideas, beliefs, talents, and cultures.
