Syria 500 CE

What is happening in Syria in 500CE

In the century after 200 CE the Syrian provinces of the Roman empire experienced invasions from the east in the 3^rd century, and for a time was even ruled by a breakaway regime under the formidable queen, Zenobia of Palmyra.

With the unity of the Roman empire restored, peace and prosperity returned to the Syrian provinces in the 4^th century. In the 5^th century, while the western provinces were enduring massive German invasions which eventually led to the end of Roman rule there, the inhabitants of the Syrian provinces were enjoying a comparatively tranquil time, with no major disturbances.

With Christianity becoming the dominant religion of the Roman empire after Constantine (“the Great”)’s conversion in 311, Palestine became a centre of pilgrimage. Imperial patronage led to magnificent churches springing up in and around Jerusalem, and devout men and women from all over the empire came to live in the many monasteries which dotted the wilderness here.

The days when Syria would form the eastern frontier of an empire based in Europe were coming to an end, however. The coming centuries would see the region restored to the Middle Eastern political and cultural sphere.

Next map, Syria in 750 CE

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