The Byzantine Period

Cross Roads of Civilisations

The Byzantine Period in Syria started in the 4th century with the division of the Roman Empire into the Latin-speaking Western Roman Empire and the Greek-speaking Eastern Byzantine Empire.

The Byzantine Period lasted until the middle of the 7th century, when the Arabs entered Damascus and established the Umayyad Empire.

During this Period, Syria was the front line defence of the Byzantine Empire against the Persians.

Continuous military pressure on this important defence line eventually lead to a weakened grip which allowed the Arabs to take over Syria.

Saint Simeon Cathedral