From Civilisation to Civil War: A History of Syria

For millennia, Syria has stood at the heart of global history — from the Bronze Age cities of Ebla and Ugarit to Roman Antioch and Umayyad Damascus. A land of prophets, poets, and empires, it was shaped by Persian, Greek, Roman, Islamic, and Ottoman rule. This talk explores Syria’s extraordinary past: a centre of faith, culture, and commerce where civilisations met and ideas flourished. As we trace its path through colonialism and independence to the early years of the Assad regime, we uncover the deep historical layers that continue to shape one of the world’s most complex nations.