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Middle Eastern History

From the earliest civilisations to Biblical times, from the era of the Crusades to the Ottoman Empire and the founding of its modern nations, in times of peace and of conflict, the history of the Middle East is as rich and diverse as any region of the world.

Discover, in these pages, the history of some of the peoples that have made their mark in this vast and influential part of the world. Among them: the Persians, Jews, Arabs and Nabateans.

Explore through the written word, the history of the great cities of this vast region: Jerusalem, Baghdad and Damascus to name but a few.

The First Caliphs and the Rise of the Islamic Empire

When Muhammad died unexpectedly in 632 CE no one was in place to take over leadership of the expanding Islamic world. The resulting power...

The 1982 Israeli Invasion of Lebanon – Back Story

The operational objectives of the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982 are relatively well known, less so the complex back story to the event. On...

Ancient Phoenician City of Byblos, Lebabon

Byblos, an ancient Phoenician city located on Lebanon's Mediterranean coast has been settled since Neolithic times. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. UNESCO’s...

Jewish Rulers in Foreign Lands

Though a people without a nation for millennia, the Jews produced powerful rulers at some points of history in the countries where they lived...

War Over Water in the Middle East

Historically in the Middle East there has always been a struggle for nations to ensure adequate water supplies for their own citizens. The fragility of...

Who was Mary Magdalene?

Mary Magdalene is one of the New Testament's most famous characters. She is mentioned in all four canonical gospels, and was present at some...

Kemal Ataturk, Revolutionary and Founder of Modern Turkey

Mustafa Kemal's ambition was to liberate Turkey from ancient beliefs which he believed made it backward and prevented it from joining the modern world. Kemal...

British and Polish Mercenaries in 1960s Yemen

Whether “Soldiers of Fortune”, “Dogs of War”, or, as they like to call themselves, “Advisers”, the adventures of mercenaries have always been the stuff...

Overview of Madaba and Mosaic Map on Syria, Palestine and Egypt

Madaba is one of Jordan's most important Christian sites and the home of the "Geographical Madaba Mosaic Map on Syria, Palestine and Egypt." The Map,...

Flavius Josephus Early Jewish and Roman History: Historical Resources

Flavius Josephus, was born Joseph the son of Matthias, in Jerusalem in 37­ CE. His autobiography tells of a three-year period living in the...