Global Arab Network | Maximianpolis - Archaeological Town Records Syria's History

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Maximianpolis - Archaeological Town Records Syria's History

Global Arab Network - - Maha Karim

Wednesday, 16 March 2011 23:54

Syria (Sweida) – Shaqqa (Maximianpolis) archaeological town, 27km northeast Sweida city, assumed an important position during the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD as the Romans named it after the name of their emperor Maxim, to be known as Maximianpolis or the 'City of Maximian'.

Director of Sweida Antiquities Department Waseem al-Sha'rani said one of the most important remaining ruins in the village is the Kalybe ruins which were built by the end of the 3rd century AD.

The remaining ruins encompass of a part of the main entrance from the north including the gateway arch with two rectangular niches topped by arc ends above each others.

The Qayssariye, dating back to mid-3rd century BC, was an administrative headquarters inhabited by the ruler. It functions as the government place consists of a gateway in the eastern facade with a main corridor in the center which is opened to a main reception hall roofed with a dome decorated with niches and stone holders.

Researcher Hasan Hattoom said Shaqqa is one of the most important five archaeological cities in Sweida. It constituted a defensive line for the Romans. The city was an important administrative, economic, military and religious center during the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Islamic eras.

Qayssarye includes the Great Church 'the Basilica' ornamented by wonderful niches and beautiful geometrical decorations. It is a square shape, divided into three sections, and built on the remnants of an old temple during the end the 2nd century or the beginning of the 3rd century.

Hattoom added Shaqqa also includes a circular old theater, that remnants are hidden inside the old city where we can see beautiful old houses besides a monastery located at the eastern part of the town with a relatively good condition tower from the 5th century.

The monastery includes a church and a number of rooms downstairs in addition to rooms of several functions upstairs. It is the most important monastery in the area.

The cemeteries include the octagonal place in the southeast of the town and a cemetery located in the northwest. Most of the cemeteries were built underground with stone according to the style of that era.

Shaqqa also contains Greek inscriptions which highlight an important part of the twon history. (SANA)

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