"Syria, for millennia at the crossroads between East and West, has always been a melting pot of different cultures. In this book, its 4000 year history is told through 40 of its greatest monuments, each treasures of world heritage from the bombastic Roman architecture of Palmyra, to the Great mosque of Damascus, the gem at the heart of the Umayyad Islamic Empire. With extensive illustrations, maps and plans, the book takes the reader on a journey through Syrias past, charting the many wonders that yet remain thanks to the efforts of Syrians, a reminder of how complex a society Syria has always been. For many centuries this was its basic strength; now it is its crucial vulnerability which has left it open to numerous forces happy to help tear it apart. Understanding how Syria has always faced a challenge of finding a balance amidst complexity is an important lesson of which the world constantly needs reminding"-- Provided by publisher.