Apamea in The Classical Periods "A study of the information contained in archaeological inscriptions and historical texts"

Abstract

The Seleucid kingdom was founded on the lands of the Near East by Seleucus I one of the leaders of Alexander the Great, and who proceeded the policy of his leader in establishing cities on the Greek style, and supplementing with Greek elements. One of the most important cities he founded in Syria was  Antioch, Seleucia Pieria, Laodecia, Apamea the subject of our research. Apamea is the military base of the Seleucids and the center of the military treasury, and the cradle of Stoic and Neoplatonism philosophy. This research talks about the geographical location of the city of Apamea, it shows how important this site is from a strategic, economic and military point of view. We will review a number of the most important reasons for the emergence of Seleucid cities. and then we will talk about the legendary emergence of Apamea, as mentioned by a number of historians.                                                                            

We will talk also about the changes that have occurred in the name of this city since its inception and through the historical periods. The research will address the study of the Apamian conditions in the Seleucid and Roman periods, and then an architectural description of the most important landmarks and monuments of the city. The article will shed light on a number of the most important influential figures from the city of Apamea. This research attempts to assist researchers and specialist in studying the conditions of cities in Syria during that important and mysterious period of its history, there isn't many information about  the period in the Arabic references.

 Apamea is one of the most important classical cities. The archaeological expeditions have worked it since the fifties of the last century. However, archaeological excavations have stopped since 2011 due to the armed conflict in Syria. Armed gangs seized and controlled this area. Thefts and illegal excavations began, thousands of years old cultural heritage was destroyed, vandalized and stolen. Such as mosaic paintings, statues etc… . Among the stolen artifacts is the mosaic painting that will be discussed in this research. Which was discovered by chance from antiquities thieves who photographed it and sent these pictures to specialists in this field . It is probable that many of the stolen pieces , in particular this painting, were sold antiquities collectors abroad. Today one of the most wanted pieces by the international Interpol.