Barbalissos, Archaeological site in Maskanah, Syria
Barbalissos is an archaeological site in Syria with remains from Byzantine times, including two restored towers that once stood along the shores of Lake Assad. The ruins reveal the layout of the original settlement and the types of structures that once existed there.
The site began as a Roman garrison and witnessed a major battle in 253 CE when Persian forces defeated a large Roman army. It later became a significant administrative center for the Christian church under Byzantine rule.
The settlement served as an important center for early Christianity, with bishops gathering here to participate in significant church councils that shaped religious practices. This role made it a hub for religious leadership and communication across the Byzantine world.
Visitors should know that portions of the archaeological site were submerged when Lake Assad was created in the 1970s following the construction of the Tabqa Dam. Planning a visit requires awareness of what remains accessible on the shoreline today.
The northern tower complex housed the praetorium, which functioned as the main administrative headquarters during Byzantine times. This building served as the nerve center where key decisions for the settlement were made.
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