Watch Global Treasures: Apameia, Syria

The north of Syria is well known for its remarkable archaeology. In the third and second centuries B.C. the Near East was ruled by the Seleukide Realm. The origin of the ancient city of Apameia dates back to the time of the founder of this realm, Seleukos The First, a general who served under Alexander The Great. Although the surrounding fields are now covered with huge boulders this was once the location of the largest city in the Orient yet almost nothing remains of the former city of Apameia. The former wealth and power of Apameia is reflected by its impressive one point eight kilometer long colonnade. The street points precisely in a north-south direction and measures thirty seven point five meters wide. It was, and still is, the backbone of this ancient city and around four hundred columns have been rebuilt. According to various inscriptions the colonnade originated at the beginning of the first century A.D. Following a catastrophic earthquake in the twelfth century and various battles for power, the city was finally abandoned. Only the impressive colonnade now demonstrates the former influence and greatness of this legendary ancient city. Thus some of the glory of Apameia lives on! Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.