This report focuses on the "Dead Cities" or Ancient Villages of Northern Syria, specifically those located within or near the Afrin district, presenting information available before 2010 as a crucial baseline. It explains that these sites are abandoned ancient settlements, primarily villages, known for their exceptional preservation due to centuries of economic decline and abandonment. The text details key aspects such as their economic reliance on olive oil, the transition from paganism to Christianity, and highlights prominent sites like Barad, Cyrrhus, Kharab Shams, and Fafertin, describing their architectural features and pre-2010 archaeological findings. Ultimately, the source underscores the global significance of these sites as a unique window into rural life and cultural shifts during Late Antiquity and the Byzantine period, and emphasizes the value of documenting their condition and research prior to subsequent disruptions.
Note: This was made with AI research and AI audio output, and does not conform to academic standards. However, sources are confirmed as genuine.
This page was created on: May 11, 2025 and last updated: