Bosra

Like Palmyra, Bosra is another of Syria’s major archaeological sites … and another of Syria’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  Located near Daraa to the south of Syria in the fertile Hauran province, almost equidistant between Damascus and Jerusalem, Bosra’s black basalt construction contrasts with the greens and golds of the Hauran “granary” plain to provide for a magnificent first impression.

As with many sites in Syria, Bosra has been witness to several layers of history. Ancient Bosra was the first Nabatean city in the 2nd century BC.  Subsequently conquered by a Trajan general in 106, Bosra was chosen as the capital of its Roman province and became a major juncture for a number of trade routes and at one point housed around 80,000 people.

The two Councils of Arabia were held in Bosra (246 and 247 AD), and Bosra also played an important part in the early life of the Prophet Mohammed. Additionally, Bosra has also been ruled by the Muslim Rashidun Caliphate after being captured by the famous Arab general, Khalid ibn Walid, becoming an important stopping-off place for Muslims making the pilgrimage to Mecca.  The Persian Sassanids were also present in Bosra.

The highlight of a tour of Bosra is the second century AD Roman theatre which, thanks to having lain undiscovered for so long under a heap of sand, is extremely well preserved, in spite of being incorporated into a later citadel by the Arabs.

However, there is much else to impress about Bosra for those interested in their history: Nabataean grand arches; other Roman monuments; Christian churches that influenced later development of Christian architecture; important Muslim mosques and religious schools; a solid Arab fortified citadel … all testify to the long and multi-layered history of this wonderful ancient city, as well as the influence it has had on history.