Jableh in ancient historical times Gabala. Γάβαλα From the third millennium BC to the fourth century AD (historically and archaeologically)

Abstract

Syria, particularly the Syrian coast, has been subjected to invasions and control by major empires, settling their disputes throughout various historical periods, starting from the Bronze and Iron Ages. Notable powers include the ancient and modern Assyrian empires, the Pharaohs of Egypt, and later the Seleucid and Roman kingdoms, followed by the Byzantine Empire until the arrival of Arab Muslims to the Syrian coast.

The strategic location of Jableh, with its fertile plains and active port, along with its control over ancient overland, river, and maritime trade routes, was a primary reason for attracting the attention of these mentioned powers. This led to Jableh and the Syrian coast being under their control, to the extent that Jableh was often dependent on and influenced by neighboring coastal cities such as Arwad and Laodicea. This dependency was interspersed with periods of independence, and which had the greatest impact on the development of the city and its prosperity in the economic, religious, and social fields throughout ancient historical periods. This historical knowledge of the city will be based on classical Greek and Roman literary sources, foreign references, and the reports of archaeological missions working in the Jableh plain. In addition to material sources from the archaeological hill, foremost among them being coins, pottery tools, and the remains of archaeological structures that are widely spread throughout this small city.