Damascus Syria, Silk Road

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. 

After the Islamic conquest in 635 CE, Damascus became the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate, and Islamic architecture flourished. The Umayyad Mosque, one of the world's oldest and largest mosques, built in 715 CE, is a monumental symbol of the times. Alongside its architectural achievements, Damascus was renowned for its craftsmanship, especially in sword making.

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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