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Kharab Shams

Byzantine church, Kharab Shams, Dead Cities, Syria
Ruins of the 5th-century Byzantine basilica at Kharab Shams. Photo: Syria Looks.


Kharab Shams (also spelled Harab Shams or Kharab al-Shams) is one the many "Dead Cities" in northern Syria.

Located on the eastern slopes of the Jebel Sima'an not far from the Aleppo-Azaz road, Kharab Shams is notable for its particularly well preserved Byzantine basilica dating from the 5th century AD.

Ancient carvings, Kharab Shams, Syria
Lintel with ancient carvings. Photo: Syria Looks.

Kharab Shams was also inhabited in the pre-Classical period, which accounts for some mysterious ancient carvings on one of the standing lintels.

Sources

  1. Warwick Ball, Syria: A Historical and Architectural Guide (2006), p. 149.
  2. Kharab Shams - Souria.com



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