Note: Originally known as Emesa, and devoted to worship of a sun god. Later the birthplace of Heliogabalus, a priest who became Roman Emperor in 218. Became an ancient Silk Road city, and was taken by Arabs in 636. The walls of the city were destroyed in the revolt against Marwan II in 745. Was held by Egyptians under Ibrahim Pasha, from 1831-1840, and taken by the British and Arabs in 1918.
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