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Qatna - One of the Ancient Kingdoms in Syria

Global Arab Network - - Maha Karim

Monday, 07 September 2009 16:44

Qatna, (Qatanum) is an archaeological site in the Wadi Il-Aswad, a tributary of the Orantos, 18 km northeast of Homs, Syria. It is an ancient city and kingdom , 19th-15th century BC (Bronze Age).

Its location corresponds to modern Al-Mashrafa, 20 km northeast of Homs. Qatna emerged as a prosperous city and a regional power when immigrating Amorite tribes established a royal court here. The city was built with a square shape, protected by thick, high city walls, one gate along each side.

The royal palace was in the northwestern section of the city, and was one of the biggest of its time. A defensive fortress was built on a hill outside the city. Qatna benefited from rich agriculture in the surrounding lands, and a strategic position between the Anatolian highlands to the north, Mesopotamia to the east, and Egypt to the south.

Foreign trade was organized through Qatna, but there is little evidence of Qatna producing its own products for export. Qatna was parallel to Yamkhad further north, another Amorite kingdom.

Early on, Mari to the east, also competed with Qatna for influence over Syrian trade routes. Qatna has notable proofs of its long-distant trade, with a Egyptian sphinx (ca. 1900 BC) and vases from Mycene.

The first finds at Qatna date to the mid- to late 3rd millennium BC. Among the most noteworthy finds at Qatna is a temple dedicated to the Sumerian goddess, Nin-e-gal. (SANA) by Maha Karim

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