Abila Lysaniou
Abila Lysaniou, known in ancient texts as Abila Lisaniae, was the capital of the region called Abilene in ancient Celesyria, located in what is now Souq Wadi Barada (or Abil-es-Suk by early Arab geographers) in western Syria.
This ancient city, situated approximately 18 miles from Damascus and 38 miles south of Heliopolis in Syria, spanned both banks of the Chrysorrhoas River.
The ruins of Abila Lysaniae include remnants of temples, aqueducts, and other structures, and a significant number of inscriptions have been found along the riverbanks.
Souq Wadi Barada
Until the death of Herod the Great, Abila was part of the Chalcis Kingdom in Lebanon, where reigned Ptolemy son of Menaeus (85-40 BCE), whose son and successor Lysanias was killed by Mark Antony at the instigation of Cleopatra, who obtained most of his domains.
Mark Antony and Cleopatra
Following the death of Herod the Great in 4 BCE, Abila was reorganized as part of a tetrarchy — a form of government involving four rulers, each controlling a distinct territory. The most famous tetrarch to govern Abila was another Lysanias, mentioned in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 3:1) as ruling during the fifteenth year of Emperor Tiberius’s reign (circa 29 CE). This Lysanias’s association with Abila is so prominent that the city itself was often referred to as "Abila of Lysanias."
Lysanias likely re-established Abila as an independent city within this tetrarchy, and historical records, such as those of the Greek geographer Ptolemy, suggest that Abila thrived under his leadership. This period of relative autonomy was further extended when Emperor Caligula granted control of Abila to Herod Agrippa I (37-44 CE), establishing it as a center of Jewish influence. Later, under Herod Agrippa II (53-93 CE), Abila remained a regional hub until his death, after which it was annexed to the Roman province of Syria.
After the death of Herod Agrippa II, Abila lost its status as a client kingdom and was fully integrated into the Roman province of Syria. Over time, the city began to decline, though it remained a vital transit and trading post due to its location along the Chrysorrhoas River. Early Arab geographers continued to refer to it as a significant stop along the route through Syria, recording its name as "Abil-es-Suk."
Abila Lysaniou is also known for its cultural and religious significance. A prominent tomb near the southern slopes of the nearby mountain is revered in Muslim tradition as the burial site of Abel (Habîl), son of Adam, from the Biblical and Quranic stories.
Adjacent to the tomb are the ruins of a small temple, adding an element of religious myth to the city’s historical legacy. This blending of ancient and religious heritage attracts interest from scholars and pilgrims alike, as the site remains a location of religious veneration and historical intrigue.
Last update: October 29, 2024
DONATE Go to definitions: A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
