Dead Cities

The Dead Cities encompasses 700 abandoned settlements spread across a limestone-rich region between Aleppo and Idlib, featuring stone buildings and public structures.

These settlements flourished between the 1st and 7th centuries as agricultural communities specializing in olive oil production before their gradual abandonment in the 8th century.

The architectural remains include churches, residential buildings, pagan temples, bathhouses, and water systems that demonstrate the daily life of Byzantine-era inhabitants.

The site stretches across 140 kilometers of territory, organized into eight archaeological parks containing approximately 40 accessible ancient villages for exploration.

Each settlement contains preserved olive oil and wine presses alongside grand porticoed villas, indicating the economic foundation of these former agricultural communities.

Location: Syria

GPS coordinates: 36.33417,36.84417

Latest update: July 25, 2025 09:15