Research Institute - Bringing Archaeological Sites of the Mediterranean to Adelaide Project
Syria
In the Bible, Syria usually refers to that part of the Mediterranean world linked to the ancient city-state of Damascus. It was also known as Aram, according to the books of Kings, Chronicles and Isaiah. Aram's relationship with Israel was first noted in the late 11th and early 10th centuries BCE (cf. 2 Samuel 8:5-6).
Aram was a constant rival to Israel until its incorporation into the Assyrian Empire in 732 BCE. From the 10th through to the 8th centuries BCE its capital was Damascus. On its outskirts, around 34 CE, Paul was converted while en route to the city (cf. Acts 9:2f), an important event which accelerated the growth of Christianity.
Click on the small images below to view larger images:
|
|
The Roman arch at the Western end of "Straight Street" in Damascus, the street to which Paul went after his conversion (Acts 9:10-11). |
|
|
The interior and baptistry of the former Byzantine Church of St John the Baptist in Damascus, now a mosque. |
|
|
Intricate and beautiful mosaics on the "bank" of the Damascus mosque (705-715 CE) near the ancient church of St John the Baptist. |
|
