The ancient site of Cyrrhus is located 70 kilometers northeast of Aleppo. The city was founded in the early third-century B.C. by Seleucus Nicator, one of Alexander the Great’s generals and founder of the Seleucid Empire, near the Afrin River in a rich agricultural area and along the ancient route connecting Antioch and Zeugma. It was named for the city of Kyrros in Macedonia. (...)
The ancient site of Cyrrhus is located 70 kilometers northeast of Aleppo. The city was founded in the early third-century B.C. by Seleucus Nicator, one of Alexander the Great’s generals and founder of the Seleucid Empire, near the Afrin River in a rich agricultural area and along the ancient route connecting Antioch and Zeugma. It was named for the city of Kyrros in Macedonia. In 63 B.C., Rome overthrew the Seleucid Empire, and thus Cyrrhus was incorporated into the Roman province of Syria. During the period of Roman rule, the city prospered first as a military outpost and then as a commercial town, resulting in the construction of a number of significant monuments, including a large amphitheatre, which is the only major structure from Antiquity to survive to the present.
In the Byzantine period, Cyrrhus was known as Hagiopolis and was a major pilgrimage destination in the early Middle Ages due to the presence of the relics of Saints Cosmas and Damian. Several religious structures were built, including a small church and a basilica.
After the Arab conquest, the city again became a military station with a garrison, but began to decline. In the 13th century, the historian Yaqut described it as a dead city. Nevertheless, a medieval mausoleum dedicated to Nebi Houri revived the city’s role as a pilgrimage destination, which it continues to be for the local Muslim community.
