Is and has always has been a living city therefore defying excavation. During the recent initial works of construction of a tunnel for increasing city traffic, and not far from the present city stoneware, an older and lower stoneware was discovered under the existing city wall the know period.

This is an indication of the richness of the ground under present city level. As is the case with Troy, there probably are many different layers here too.
Damascus has always managed to raise from ashes of destruction in the same way another Syrian figure, the Phoenix, did. It is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world and it is one of the earliest human settlements, as well. 
Assyrians , Persians, Greeks, Romans and Byzantines all left their marks.
It was the seat of the Arab caliph from 661 until 750 AD when the heart of the Arab empire shifted to Baghdad and Cordova.
The Umayyad Mosque is the city's most prominent landmark, and it had at one time served as church, as well as, a temple of Roman Jupiter remains of, which are still visible. Here, you will also find the Street Called straight, as well as, Saint Paul's window and Anania's` church. Nearby is Mountain Hermon, the scene of Christ Transfiguration, and Maaloula, where Aramaic is still spoken.
Is and has always been a living city, defying excavation. During the recent initial construction works of a tunnel for improving city traffic, and not far from the present city stoneware, an older and lower stoneware was discovered under the existing city wall. 

The people of Maaloula and the surrounding area have been able to conserve their ancient heritage by retaining their Aramaic language, which is the language of Jesus Christ.

Here, there are two monasteries, St. Sergius and St. Taqla` s . The town itself springs from the cliffs. the name " Maaloula" in Aramaic means entrance. One of the oldest churches in Syria overhangs the village, Mar Sarkis, where one can admire century icons.

In the village of Sednaya one will find a host of churches and icons to admire.

In 84 AD, the Nabateans built an altar, dedicated to the Semite god Baal Shamin .
In 245 AD, Philip the Arab had the temple of Jupiter built here, which was later turned into a fortress.

This is a prehistoric site to visit.
The Byzantines used some of the stone blocks of the temple of Jupiter to construct a church that, today, houses a beautiful collection of icons.

Here, one can find a monastery and a chapel dating back to the 6th century AD that was abandoned in the 17th century. It was found by Saint Mousa (Moses), the Ethiopian. 7th and 11th century frescoes bring much charm to this antique place of worship, hidden in the mountains.

Mentioned for the first time in Egyptian archives in 1350 BC. It was known as, Bustra in Roman times and designated as the capital of Provincia Arabia by the emperor Trajan in 106 AD. The Via Traiana passed through the town and made it a center of communication. 

A long line of Roman emperors came, or had in-laws from this part of the world. Septemius Severus and Philip the Arab were such Roman rulers. The Amphitheater which seats more than 10,000 people, was built in the second century AD, is still in perfect shape.

Here are the remnants of a Nabataean temple and a large basilica, dating back to the 4th century AD. Mosaics and sculptures are exhibited at the town's museum.

Qanawat was founded in the 1st century BC. Its name is mentioned in the Bible when, under the reign of Herod Agrippa, the region was a victim of bandits. Septimius
Severus gave it the name of "Septima Canatha".