dlib, June 21 (SANA) Perched on the limestone highlands of Jabal al-Zawiya in southern Idlib, the ancient village of Ruweiha offers a rare glimpse into a flourishing chapter of Syria’s history. Its churches, stone tombs and well-preserved buildings stand as reminders of a settlement that thrived more than 1,500 years ago along key trade routes linking northern and southern parts of the Levant.
Ruweiha is among the best-preserved sites within the UNESCO-listed “Ancient Villages of Northern Syria,” commonly known as the Dead Cities. Since its inscription on the World Heritage List in 2011, the site has attracted growing interest from researchers and heritage specialists seeking to understand the region’s economic and social development during the Byzantine era.
Hassan al-Ismail, director of the Idlib Museum, told SANA that Ruweiha lies on the northeastern edge of Jabal al-Zawiya near the town of Sarja, around 15 kilometers north of Maarat al-Numan. Built on an elevated plateau overlooking surrounding farmland, the village occupies a strategic position that once connected agricultural communities with regional trade networks.
“Ruweiha is one of the largest and most architecturally intact archaeological villages in Jabal al-Zawiya,” al-Ismail said. “Its limestone buildings, streets and public structures provide a clear picture of the urban landscape that characterized the region during the fifth and sixth centuries.”
Archaeological evidence also points to an earlier Roman presence. Remains found in the central and western sections of the site display construction techniques and decorative elements that differ from later Byzantine architecture, suggesting that the area may have been inhabited before Ruweiha reached its peak prosperity.
Studies conducted by French archaeologist Georges Tchalenko identified evidence of advanced urban planning, including public buildings and commercial facilities. One prominent structure at the center of the village, featuring a two-story colonnaded design, is believed to have served as a marketplace or center for commercial activity.
According to researchers, the settlement prospered during the late fifth and sixth centuries as wealthy landowners established residences in the area. Their influence is reflected in the scale and design of many buildings, which are larger and more elaborate than those found in neighboring villages.
Historian Mustafa Sammaq describes Ruweiha as one of northern Syria’s most important archaeological sites, comparable in significance to the nearby ancient city of al-Bara. Its location along a major route connecting Antioch with inland Syria helped transform the settlement into a stop for merchants and caravans traveling across the region.
The village’s economic life was supported by agriculture, particularly olive cultivation and olive oil production, while its marketplace and residential compounds reflected a high level of prosperity.
Among Ruweiha’s most notable landmarks is the Church of Bizzos, one of the largest early Christian churches in Jabal al-Zawiya. Built in the basilica style, the structure remains an important example of Byzantine religious architecture, with significant portions still standing.
The site is also home to several stone tombs and mausoleums, including the Tomb of Bizzos, located north of the village. Distinguished by its stone carvings and sarcophagi, the monument provides valuable insight into burial practices and religious traditions of the period.
Today, Ruweiha remains one of the most prominent heritage sites in Syria’s Dead Cities region. Its churches, residences and commercial buildings continue to illustrate the level of urban development achieved during the late Roman and Byzantine periods, while highlighting the importance of preserving the country’s archaeological legacy for future generations.
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