Byzantine Syria

The division between Roman and Byzantine Syria is largely anachronistic and artificial. The term is used here only to denote the Christianization of Roman rule in Syria that occurred from the fourth century CE onward. The period is marked by the widespread construction of basilicas and churches in cities and towns. Syria was also one of the central foci of the new Christian religion, with many important church fathers inhabiting the region, as well as the particular tradition of Christian writing in the Syriac language. The Christian architectural legacy is one of the strongest assemblages in the Kidner collection. Particular highlights are the churches of Northern Syria’s so-called Dead Cities, including the monastery of St. Symeon the Stylite near Aleppo. These settlements were mostly agricultural in nature, likely minor agricultural towns in character, but are home to immense displays of Christian euergetism (the practice of wealthy patrons sponsoring the construction of public buildings).