[Discov] Largest Roman garrison in Syria found

[DAVIDE]

Archaeologists discover Mideast's "largest Roman garrison" in Syria


Damascus - Archaeologists in Syria have found what they believe was the largest Roman garrison in the Middle East, the country's official news agency reported Saturday.
German archaeologists discovered the site, which spreads over 3 hectares (30,000 square metres), at al-Rifniah, in the northern Syrian province of Hama, Syria's SANA news agency said.
Experts described the fort as the largest Roman military outpost in the region. It was discovered, following mentions of the outpost in documentary evidence and engravings, SANA said.





http://www.monstersandcritics.com/ne...quot_in_Syria_

[Hookah Smoking Caterpiller]

pretty cool, considering the impact Islam has had on the culture and architecture of the Middle-East the Roman presence often seems minimal.

[Ringeck]

English news source messed up the text. The SANA news source says this:

http://www.sana.sy/eng/35/2009/07/23/237017.htm

Hama, (SANA)- The Syrian-German archeological mission has unearthed the site of the archeological city of Rafnia, which has been lost for hundreds of years.

Head of the Ruins Department in Mesyaf, Ibrahim Abbas said Thursday that the survey results revealed that the city stretches across 3 hectares.

It is considered the biggest center for old Roman armies in Baarin region in Hama and it matches the ancient city of Apamia by size and age.

He added that this major discovery will add a new value to the archeological and historical position of the region, especially that it will allow for more precise reading of history through the findings and treasures expected to be found in this city.

So it is not a roman fort, it is a roman city with a garrison in it.

[DAVIDE]

good to know! thanks!