Shahba: A Historical Gem in Syria
Shahba (Arabic: شَهْبَا), formerly known as Philippopolis in Late Antiquity, is a city located 87 km (54 mi) south of Damascus in the Jabal el Druze region of Syria’s As-Suwayda Governorate. Once part of the Roman province of Arabia Petraea, this ancient city holds a rich history and remains a Latin titular see.
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Roman History
Shahba’s origins trace back to its days as a small oasis settlement. It was the native hamlet of Roman emperor Philip the Arab. When Philip became emperor in 244 AD, he aimed to transform this modest community into a grand Roman city, known as a colonia. One historian even suggested that the city was built on virgin soil, marking it as the last Roman city founded in the East.
The city was renamed Philippopolis in honor of Emperor Philip, who envisioned it as a replica of Rome. Significant structures, including a hexagonal-style temple, a kalybe (an open-air place of worship), a triumphal arch, baths, a theatre, a basilica, and the Philippeion, were constructed. These buildings followed a strict Roman grid plan with the main colonnaded Cardo Maximus intersecting the Decumanus Maximus at right angles near the center. Lesser streets divided the city into insulae, although many remained undeveloped.
Notably, public structures displayed an “imported façade,” while urban architecture was modest and vernacular. Construction halted abruptly after Philip’s death in 249, leaving the city incomplete.
Ottoman Rule and Later
In 1596, Shahba appeared in the Ottoman tax registers as Sahba, part of the nahiya of Bani Miglad in the Hauran Sanjak. The town had a fully Muslim population, consisting of 8 households and 3 bachelors. They paid a 40% tax on wheat, barley, summer crops, goats, and beehives, totaling 5,050 akçe.
Despite its isolation from major population centers, Shahba’s ruins remain well-preserved. The city’s museum showcases beautiful Roman mosaics, including the richly iconographic “The Glory of the Earth” mosaic, discovered in 1952. This mosaic, now in the museum of Damascus, serves as a valuable resource for iconographers.
Nearby, the Roman bridge at Nimreh stands as another testament to the city’s ancient heritage.
Modern Era
In the 18th century, Druze populations settled in the area, and a Christian presence continues in the city today. Shahba has a cold semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification BSk), characterized by its dry conditions and cold winters.
Conclusion
Shahba’s history, from its Roman origins to its modern-day preservation, reflects the city’s enduring significance. Its ruins and artifacts provide a fascinating glimpse into the past, making it a treasured historical site in Syria.
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