Raqqa, Feb. 6 (SANA) Amid the vast Syrian desert, southwest of the city of Raqqa, rise the imposing ruins of Resafa Castle, also known as Sergiopolis. It is one of the country’s most emblematic archaeological sites and a witness to centuries of history, faith, and civilization.
According to historic sources, Resafa originally founded by the Assyrians, developed and flourished during the Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad periods, thanks to its strategic location along a major caravan route near the Euphrates River. Built with white limestone that reflects sunlight intensely, it was historically known as “White Resafa.”
Emperor Justinian Ordered Its Fortification
During the Byzantine period, the city reached its peak in the 6th century when Emperor Justinian ordered its fortification with massive stone walls enclosing the settlement over approximately seven kilometers. At that time, Resafa became a prominent religious and Christian pilgrimage center dedicated to Saint Sergius, one of the most venerated martyrs in the East.
Among its most outstanding monuments are three large churches, led by the Church of Saint Sergius, also known as the Church of the Martyrdom, considered a jewel of Byzantine religious architecture. The site also includes vast underground cisterns designed to store rainwater and ensure the city’s survival in the desert environment.
Resafa of Hisham
During the Umayyad period, Resafa experienced a new era of prosperity. Caliph Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik converted it into a summer residence, and it became known as “Resafa of Hisham.” Archaeological excavations have revealed the existence of two Umayyad palaces, confirming the city’s political and administrative significance at the time.
In addition to its religious and residential roles, the city played a key defensive role, acting as an advanced fortress against potential invasions thanks to its system of walls, towers, and water storage facilities.
The splendor of Resafa came to an end in the 13th century, when it was devastated during the Mongol invasions, leading to its gradual abandonment and its transformation into a silent relic of the past.
A Jewel of Syrian Heritage
Today, Resafa remains one of Syria’s heritage jewels, a symbol of the country’s cultural richness and the interaction of civilizations that, over the centuries, left their mark in the heart of the desert.
