As a historian with a focus on ancient civilizations and their evolution, I'm delighted to delve into the fascinating history of Syria and its nomenclature. The name "Syria" has a rich and complex history that spans millennia, with its roots deeply embedded in the ancient Near East.

The term "Syria" as we know it today is believed to have originated from the ancient Greeks. The Greeks referred to the region as "Asiria" or "Ashshur" in their texts, which was derived from the name of the ancient Assyrian Empire. The Assyrians were a powerful and influential people who established a vast empire that stretched across much of the ancient Near East, and their name became synonymous with the region they ruled.

The Assyrian Empire was one of the great powers in the ancient world, and its influence was felt far and wide. At its height, the empire controlled a vast territory that included modern-day Syria, Iraq, Iran, and parts of Turkey and Egypt. The Assyrians were known for their military prowess, administrative efficiency, and cultural achievements. Their capital, Assur, was a bustling center of trade and diplomacy.

However, the fall of the Assyrian Empire in 612 BCE marked a significant turning point in the region's history. After the empire's collapse, the region was divided among various successor states. One of these was the Achaemenid Empire, which was eventually conquered by Alexander the Great in the late 4th century BCE.

Following Alexander's conquests, the region became part of the Seleucid Empire, which was a Hellenistic state ruled by one of Alexander's generals, Seleucus I Nicator. During this period, the region was heavily influenced by Greek culture and language. It was during the Seleucid era that the name "Syria" began to be used more widely to refer to the western part of the former Assyrian Empire.

The term "Syria" continued to evolve over time. In the Roman period, the province of Syria was established, which included not only the territory of modern-day Syria but also parts of modern-day Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, and southern Turkey. The Romans further developed the region's infrastructure and culture, leaving a lasting legacy that can still be seen today.

In the centuries that followed, the region was ruled by various powers, including the Byzantine Empire, the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates, the Crusaders, the Mamluks, and the Ottoman Empire. Each of these rulers left their mark on the region, shaping its history and identity.

In modern times, the name "Syria" has come to refer specifically to the country we know today, which gained independence from France in 1946. The country has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, with influences from its many rulers and inhabitants over the centuries.

In conclusion, the old name of Syria has its origins in the ancient Assyrian Empire, with the term "Syria" being popularized during the Seleucid and Roman periods. The name has evolved over time, reflecting the region's complex history and the many cultures that have shaped it. Today, Syria stands as a testament to its rich past and the resilience of its people.

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The modern name of Syria is claimed by some scholars to have derived from Herodotus' habit of referring to the whole of Mesopotamia as 'Assyria' and, after the Assyrian Empire fell in 612 BCE, the western part continued to be called 'Assyria' until after the Seleucid Empire when it became known as 'Syria'.Jun 17, 2014read more >>