Following Alexander's Footsteps: A Historian's Syrian

Following Alexander's Footsteps: A Historian's Syrian Adventure

Embark on a vibrant journey through Syria, following in the footsteps of Alexander the Great!

March 24, 20263 min readtravel

Following Alexander's Footsteps: A Historian's Syrian Adventure

Syria (path of Alexander the Great)

Get ready for an epic adventure that’s literally rewriting history books! We’re so stoked about this journey that follows in the legendary footsteps of Alexander the Great, taking us deep into the heart of Syria. Imagine stepping back in time, exploring ancient cities that whisper tales of empires and civilizations long past. This isn't just a trip; it's a full-on dive into history, where every corner turned is a new discovery waiting to glow. We're talking about places like Bosra, a city with roots stretching back to the 14th century BC, a former Nabataean powerhouse that later became a Roman capital. Then there’s Maaloula, a treasure where Aramaic, the language of ancient times, is still spoken today – how cool is that?! And we can’t forget Masyaf Castle, a fortress straight out of legends, famously linked to the Knights of the Crusades. This adventure is all about embracing the unknown and soaking in the incredible energy of places that have seen it all.

This explorer’s Syrian adventure is a reminder that the world is bursting with places waiting to be uncovered. It’s about that main character energy, diving headfirst into experiences that expand your horizons and fill your spirit with wonder. While the journey is undeniably rich with history and beauty, it’s also important to acknowledge the complex reality on the ground. This isn't your typical tourist trail; it's for the bold and the curious, those who understand that true adventure sometimes means navigating a more intricate path. The advice to travel with experience, local connections, or a knowledgeable guide is key. It’s about being prepared, respecting the culture, and embracing the learning that comes with stepping outside your comfort zone. This is about more than just seeing sights; it’s about connecting with the soul of a place and its people.

What truly shines through is the sheer passion for exploration and the desire to share these incredible discoveries. It’s about fostering a sense of shared excitement for history and the incredible stories it holds. This journey inspires us to dream big and to see ourselves as part of a larger narrative, connecting with ancient worlds and vibrant cultures. It’s a testament to the power of curiosity and the rewards of stepping into the extraordinary. This is the kind of adventure that leaves you feeling unstoppable, ready to chase your own epic experiences and create memories that will glow for a lifetime. Let’s get out there and explore!

From travel

I recently finished my master degree in History. My specialization is ancient history and I had the opportunity to visit distant countries where Alexander the Great was said to have traveled. This is my second part of journey - if you want to see first one, just search for "Lebanon path of Alexander the Great".
This is Syria, more specific Bosra, Maaloula and Masyaf (and many more, I will probably make part 2, if you are interested). Here is small info about those places, in case you want to visit:

Following Alexander's Footsteps: Exploring Ancient Palmyra in Syria

Hello guys, thank you very much for all messages regarding my post of travel. I recently finished my master degree in History. My specialization is ancient history and I had the opportunity to visit distant countries where Alexander the Great was said to have traveled. This is my third part of journey - if you want to see first one, just search for "Lebanon path of Alexander the Great" or "Syria (path of Alexander the Great)". Because of your interest, this is my second part of Syria, especially Palmyra. It’s unbelievable what people are capable of… After ISIS captured Palmyra, its members stormed the local museum, where they murdered the archaeologist Khaled al-Asaad, 82 years old, who had led excavations there for 50 years and refused to reveal where he had hidden ancient valuables from the terrorists. After beheading him, they hung the rest of his body on one of the columns of the ancient colonnade. The museum then ended up as you can see in the pictures… but even those don’t fully capture the insanity you could witness with your own eyes. Classical statues, an ancient model of Palmyra, and more were destroyed with hammers and even machine guns… What happened to the museum is just an introduction to what happened to the entire site (see below). Palmyra should now be relatively safe under state control and at least partially cleared of mines (leaving the marked paths is still forbidden because of them), but at the time of my visit, ISIS positions were still located roughly 50-60 km away. It’s easy to scroll past photos like this. It’s a lot harder to stand there and realize that everything you’re looking at survived thousands of years and was almost erased in a matter of days (pics 6-7 are great examples). Take care everyone and will hop back later (if you´re interested) with new country that I visited during this "Alexander the Great path". submitted by /u/Nikisek27 [link] [comments]