Syria 500BC – 200BC

After a couple of centuries^[1]http://www.timemaps.com/history/syria-500bc under the Persian empire, Syria was conquered by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, and in the struggles for control of Alexander’s empire after his early death, his generals Seleucus and Ptolemy divided Syria between them. They founded powerful dynasties. Under them, many Greek-style cities sprang up, which became thriving centres of Hellenistic civilization. Antioch, the Seleucid capital, was one of the largest cities in the Mediterranean world.

The Jewish community in and around Jerusalem enjoyed a high level of self-rule under their own leaders. The influence of Hellenistic civilization was welcomed by some of the elite, but was regarded with the deepest suspicion by many ordinary Jews.

Original Source: timemaps.com

Next map, Syria in 30 BC   

Back map, Syria in 500 BC   

Content Main Menu