Syria
played an incomparable role in the history of mankind. It is often
described as the cradle of civilizations, since many of the greatest human
achievements that later spread to encompass the world had their beginnings in
ancient Syria. In this land, Man discovered the secrets of Agriculture and
Metallurgy, and invented the very first Alphabet, Religions, Philosophies,
Language of trade, Systems of urban development, of diplomatic and cultural
exchange; all these germinated in geographical Syria. It has been rightly
said, therefore, that every cultured man belongs to two nations: his own, and
Syria.
Damascus (Sham or
Dimashq as we call it) has the reputation of being the oldest city in the world.
More recent discoveries suggest that Damascus was first settled ca. 6,000 B.C.
but some discoveries suggest that it is older than 8,000
B.C. but we don't know exactly who ruled Damascus at that time. An
old story says that its name "Sham" was derived from "Shem"
the eldest son of Noah because he chose to live there after the flood.
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