Syria’s ancient city of Homs has a long and fascinating history. Located in the western part of the country, Homs has been inhabited for more than 4,000 years. The city has been the site of many important events and has seen its share of wars over the centuries. In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of Homs and explore its importance to the region.
The earliest known settlement in Homs dates back to the Bronze Age. The city was originally known as Emesa and was an important trading center. It was part of the Aramean kingdom and was inhabited by the Aramaeans until the 7th century BC. During this time, the city was ruled by various empires including the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, and Seleucids.
In 64 BC, the Roman general Pompey took control of Emesa, and the city was renamed to Homs. The city flourished under Roman rule and became a major center for trade and commerce. It was also known for its religious importance, as it was home to various cults and temples.
During the Byzantine era, Homs was a major center of Christianity and was the site of several important churches. The city was also an important fortress and was the site of many battles between the Byzantines and the Arabs. In 636 AD, the city fell to the Arabs and was renamed to Homs.
Homs was a major city during the Islamic period. It was an important center for learning and culture and was home to many famous scholars and poets. The city also became a major center of trade and commerce and was home to many wealthy merchants.
In the 12th century, Homs was conquered by the Crusaders and was then taken by the Mamluks in 1260. The city was then taken by the Ottoman Empire in 1517 and remained under Ottoman rule until the end of World War I.
During the French Mandate of Syria and Lebanon (1920-1946), Homs became an important center of industry and agriculture. The city was also home to many political and cultural organizations.
Homs has been a major center of violence since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011. The city has been the site of many battles between the Syrian government and rebel forces. In 2012, the city was taken by the rebels and has been under their control since then.
Homs is an ancient city with a long and fascinating history. It has been an important center of trade, commerce, religion, and culture for thousands of years. The city has also seen its share of wars and violence over the centuries. Today, Homs is a major center of violence and destruction, but its history is a reminder of its former glory.