According to the first-century historian Josephus, Damascus was founded by Uz, son of Aram and descendant of Shem from Noah's lineage, embedding the city's origins in biblical lore.
The name "ta-ms-qu" first appeared in history on the Karnak Temple wall in Luxor during Thutmose II's reign. Subsequently, it surfaced in a list attributed to Amenophis II, around the fourteenth century BC. The name 'Dimaski' or 'Dimasqa' was later recorded in the Tell al-Amarna tablets.
Damascus became embroiled in the power struggles of antiquity, notably during the 13th century BC, when it was contested between the Hittites and Egyptians, reflecting its strategic importance in the region.
During Alexander the Great's conquests, Damascus emerged as the pivotal city of Syria, remarkably spared from the ravages of war, which left it poised for further growth.
In 635 AD, the Muslim-Arab general Khalid ibn al-Walid captured Damascus, marking a significant shift in its history. Twenty-seven years later, Muawiyah I, the first Umayyad caliph, established it as the capital of the Arab-Muslim Empire (661-750 AD), a transformative period that saw Damascus flourish as a cultural and political center.
Through these epochs, Damascus evolved from an ancient settlement into a beacon of civilization, bridging the past with the Islamic era and beyond. Its history, rooted in biblical narratives and entwined with the rise of great empires, underscores its enduring role as a crossroads of civilizations. Today, this venerable city remains a testament to the enduring legacies of the ancient world.
The Ancient Legacy of Damascus
