“Discover the ancient wonder of Apamea in Syria, where history comes alive through stunning ruins and mosaics.”

Discovering Syria’s Ancient City of Apamea: A Journey Through Time

Syria is a country that has seen a lot of turmoil in recent years, but amidst the chaos lies a hidden gem – the ancient city of Apamea. This once-thriving Hellenistic city is now home to well-preserved ruins and stunning mosaics, offering a glimpse into the past.

The Ancient City of Apamea is located in the western part of Syria, in the fertile valley of the Orontes River. It was founded in the 3rd century BC by the Seleucid Empire and later became a Roman city. It was once a prominent center of trade and commerce, with a population of more than 500,000 people.

The city’s most notable feature is the Great Colonnade, a mile-long street lined with columns that was once the main thoroughfare of the city. The Colonnade was built in the 2nd century AD and is one of the longest in the world. It is a testament to the engineering and architectural prowess of the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Walking down the Great Colonnade, one can’t help but marvel at the sheer size and grandeur of the columns, each standing over 10 meters tall. The columns are made of pink and gray granite and were brought all the way from Aswan in Egypt. They are still standing today, despite the ravages of time and the earthquakes that have shaken the region.

As you make your way through the Ancient City of Apamea, you’ll also come across the remains of the Roman theater. It was once a magnificent structure that could seat up to 20,000 people. Today, only the foundations and some of the walls remain, but you can still get a sense of how impressive it must have been.

But perhaps the most impressive feature of Apamea is the stunning mosaics that have been uncovered throughout the city. These mosaics are some of the finest examples of ancient art in the world, and they offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in Apamea more than 2,000 years ago.

One of the most famous mosaics in Apamea is the “Bikini Girls” mosaic, which depicts a group of young women wearing two-piece swimsuits. This mosaic was discovered in the 1950s and caused a scandal at the time because of the immodesty of the women’s attire. Today, it is one of the most popular attractions in the city.

Another notable mosaic is the “Nine Muses” mosaic, which depicts the nine goddesses of the arts and sciences. This mosaic is particularly impressive because of its size – it covers an entire room and is made up of more than 1.5 million individual pieces.

As you explore the Ancient City of Apamea, you’ll also come across the remains of the city’s fortifications, including the city walls and gates. These fortifications were built to protect the city from invaders and were a testament to the military might of the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Despite the ravages of time and the recent conflicts in Syria, the Ancient City of Apamea remains a remarkable testament to the ingenuity, artistry, and engineering prowess of the ancient world. It is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, art, or culture.

Visitors to Apamea can also take advantage of the nearby modern city of Hama, which offers a range of amenities, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. Hama is also home to the famous norias, or waterwheels, which have been used to irrigate the surrounding fields for centuries.

In conclusion, the Ancient City of Apamea is a remarkable destination that offers a glimpse into the past. From the Great Colonnade to the stunning mosaics, every corner of the city is steeped in history and culture. Despite the challenges of recent years, Apamea remains a testament to the enduring legacy of the ancient world.