Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
Lattakia, SANA- The Roman amphitheater in Jableh city of Lattakia is an archaeological and historic edifice and an example of Roman architecture on the Phoenician coast and a witness to the nobility of this coastal city and its historical position.
The Roman amphitheater which dates back to the 2nd century AD, acquires its architectural importance from its unique architecture in terms of organizing its stairs ,arches, arcades, and external facades with decorative columns, in addition to its position as a military fortress in several eras, according to Director of the Jableh Antiquities Department, Dr. Masoud Badawi.
Badawi told SANA that the Byzantines turned the amphitheater into a fortress to defend the city during the Arab and Islamic conquest of Jableh city in the year of 17 hijrah, 638 AD, and it remained even during the Crusader, Ayyubid and Mamluk periods, evidenced by the remains of fortifications, buildings and various facilities that appeared during the archaeological excavations carried out by the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums since 1950.
MHD Ibrahim/ Mazen Eyon
