Ugarit

Ugarit is an ancient city near the Mediterranean coast close to Latakia, with ruins of temples, houses, and administrative buildings revealing multiple layers of settlement. The excavations at Ras Shamra uncover the layout of a well-organized urban center with distinct residential and ritual zones.

The city was founded in the 6th millennium BC and grew into a major trading center. It suffered sudden destruction around 1190 BC from invaders, marking the end of its prosperous era.

The ruins reflect the meeting point of different civilizations that lived and traded here together. Visitors can observe how Phoenicians, Egyptians, and Hittites crossed paths, leaving their marks in the buildings and objects scattered across the site.

The site lies about 11 kilometers north of Latakia and is open to visitors, with guides available to explain the different areas of the excavation. Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection, as the ruins spread across open, uneven ground.

This place used two different writing systems side by side: both Akkadian and the local Northwest Semitic language. This combination allowed the city to communicate with various cultures and create records for different purposes.

Location: Latakia Governorate

Location: Phoenicia

Inception: 7 Millenium BCE

GPS coordinates: 35.60194,35.78556

Latest update: December 18, 2025 11:41