This book covers the pivotal period in Culture & Architecture of Syria between the acceptance of christianity within the Roman Empire (4th-CCE), and the advent of Islam (7th-CCE). This volume describes how so much of Early and Medieval Christian tradition was developed in Syria, and subsequently passed to the rest of Europe through the Syrian diaspora, between the (7th-11th CCE). The City of Antioch in Northern Syria (now in Turkey)was after Rome the second most Important Christian center in the Empire. This book also covers in depth the Architecture of a particular region of Northern Syria between Antioch and Aleppo where due to its relative isolation and difficult terrain much of the Roman Infrasturcture as well the Byzantine Churches and Monasteries have been well preserved. The book also discusses tensions within the Byzantine Empire over the monophysite controversy between Syria, Egypt, and Constantinople. The influence of Sassanid Persia upon Eastern Syria & Northern Mesopotamia centered on the Euphrates and around the Cities of Edessa, Harran (urfa) and Nisibus, where the Nestorian Christianity was developed, is also discussed. If you have interest in any or all of the topics listed above then you must add this book to your collection & read it!