Damascus is an ancient
city that's been continuously lived in since around 3,000 BCE, although
archaeological evidence suggests that it was inhabited as early as 8,000 BCE.
Located in southwestern modern-day Syria, the seventh country on this journey,
Damascus was an important commercial hub due to its location between Africa to
the west and Asia to the east.
The city's architecture
reflects the influence of the many civilisations that have ruled it over the
centuries. After Alexander the Great's conquest in 333 BCE, Greek urban
planning was introduced, and the city adopted a grid pattern with north-south
and east-west streets, a layout that still defines parts of the city's
structure today.
Following the Roman
conquest in 64 BCE under General Pompey, Roman architectural styles were
incorporated, including the construction of temples, baths, forums, and
aqueducts. Remains of the Roman city walls and the grand archways and columns
of the Temple of Jupiter are lasting examples of Roman influence.
The blacksmiths in
Damascus mastered the art of forging wootz steel, produced in ancient India and
Sri Lanka, into blades with a distinctive wavy pattern on their surface. These
patterns were created by repeated folding and forging of high-carbon iron. This
process gave the steel its renowned strength, sharpness, and aesthetic appeal,
similar to how Japanese katana blades were made. The swords made from this
steel became known as "Damascus steel" and quickly became valued by
warriors and kings alike.
Despite many attempts,
even after two millennia, metallurgists have not been able to replicate the
original process or quality of Damascus steel.
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