November 5, 2025 • 12 mins
In the latest episode, Global Treasures covers the Ancient City of Bosra, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. This UNESCO site contains ruins from Roman, Byzantine and Muslim eras. Join us as we dive into the history, travel tips for visiting and more.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Abigail (00:00):
Imagine a place that tells a story spanning centuries where
culture and nature intertwine tocreate something truly extraordinary.
That's the beauty of UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites.
I'm Abigail, and this is Global Treasures,the podcast that covers the history,
(00:23):
travel tips, and legends surroundingone of the 1,248 world heritage
sites each episode, these places havebeen identified as having universal,
cultural or natural significance thatis so exceptional that it transcends
(00:43):
national boundaries and is of importanceto present and future generations.
Welcome to season three, wherewe'll explore the 27 sites that
UNESCO added in 1980 together.
Thank you for listening to the podcast.
I appreciate all of your support,and you can continue to support us by
(01:07):
subscribing at Apple Podcasts, Spotify,Podbean, or your favorite platform.
You can also follow us on TikTok andFacebook for some travel inspiration
and updates when we drop new episodes.
In the southern region of Syria, a middleEastern country bordered by Turkey to
(01:29):
the north and the Mediterranean Seato the west holds the ancient city
of Bosra, a place of extraordinaryhistorical and cultural significance.
At its core stands a remarkablywell-preserved second
century AD Roman theater.
(01:49):
This imposing structure has defied thepassage of time and is one of the best
preserved Roman theaters on the planet.
The ruins of early Christian churchesstand alongside mosques and madrasas,
which are Islamic religious schools.
Long before its Roman connection, Bosra'ssignificance was carved into history.
(02:13):
Its name, Bosra appears on the Tellel Amarna tablets of Egypt, ancient
correspondence dating back to the14th century BC exchanged between
Pharaohs and Phoenician kings.
This early reference by royaltyspeaks to its enduring importance.
(02:36):
Bosra's very name is a tribute toBostras, a distinguished Roman general.
This city, steeped in imperialprowess served as a residence for a
legion of the Imperial Roman army.
In time, Bosra rose to prominencewhen it was designated as the
(02:57):
capital of the Nabataen kingdom.
Its destiny, however, was intertwinedwith the burgeoning Roman Empire
and in 106 AD it was formallyincorporated into its dominion.
Basra once held great politicaland strategic importance as
(03:18):
well, serving as the capital ofthe Roman province of Arabia.
But Bosra is far morethan a Roman antiquity.
During the rise of Christianity, thecity thrived, becoming a prominent
center of early biblical life.
During the Byzantine era, Bosratransformed into a bustling market,
(03:42):
turning into a crowded crossroadwhere Arab caravans converged
to replenish their supplies.
This strategic position turned itinto the first Byzantine stronghold to
welcome the Arabs, marking a pivotalmoment in the expansion of Islam.
(04:03):
With the spread of Islam, Bosra alsobecame a notable stopover on the
ancient pilgrimage route to Mecca.
Mecca is considered to be theholiest city in Islam and the
birthplace of the prophet Mohammed.
Mohammed was a revered religiousand political leader and
(04:23):
founder of the Islamic religion.
Its significance extends even further intothe spiritual realm for it was here that
Mohammed visited twice in his lifetime.
One legend even states that during hisfirst visit to Bosra, the monk, Behira,
(04:44):
who had remarkable foresight, declared theMohammed was destined to become a prophet.
Today while Bosra's ruins speakto its Christian and Roman past,
the majority of its currentinhabitants follow the Muslim faith,
continuing the city's legacyas a link between the ancient
(05:07):
and modern civilizations.
As centuries passed, the OttomanEmpire made its mark on the city
and its magnificence dwindled.
Yet the 20th century brought withit a new era of revitalization
sparked by the building of a railway.
(05:28):
Today, Bosra is on the World HeritageSite in Danger list due to armed Conflict.
The courtyard and parts of the Citadelwere damaged in December of 2015.
Unfortunately, over the years, artifactshave been trafficked and stolen as well.
(05:50):
At its peak, Bosra was acrowded metropolis, home to a
staggering 80,000 inhabitants.
As you stand within the city walls,consider you're standing on the
grounds marked by the historicfootprints of multiple civilizations.
(06:12):
Now that we briefly combed through theextensive history of this incredible
UNESCO World Heritage site, let's talkabout how to get there and some need
to know facts if you plan to visit.
I also will be sure to post linksand tools in the show notes that
hopefully will make your planningeasier, so check them out.
(06:34):
This site is unique in that whileyou can travel there, it's nearly
impossible to find a flight thatwill take you to directly to
Damascus International Airport.
You can expect to have at leasttwo layovers depending on what
country you're flying in from.
The airport is about two hours from Bosra.
(06:57):
I highly recommend you check the airlinewebsite daily if you've booked a trip, as
the airport has historically shut down forup to a month due to unrest and conflict.
I also don't suggest renting a carif you do travel independently.
Ask your hotel or tour guide forsuggestions on taxi or rideshare options.
(07:22):
For this site, I would urge you toconsider a group or private tour.
The primary language is Arabic, sothis will ensure you can get a guide
who speaks your native languageand is an expert on the site.
Many use Damascus as their baseand do a day trip here, either
(07:43):
again on a tour or independently.
That's likely because there are veryfew hotel options in Bosra proper.
Same goes with restaurants.
It just so happens that the ancientcity of Damascus is another UNESCO
World Heritage Site in Syria, andmany tours take you to both locations.
(08:05):
Damascus is a city with over 125monuments from different periods
in history and is one of the oldestcontinuously inhabited sites in the world.
If you wanna learn more, you cango back and listen to season two,
episode three of the podcast, whichcovered this site specifically.
(08:28):
In terms of the best times to visit,January does get chilly, but May through
October can be very hot, anywhere from85 to a hundred degrees Fahrenheit.
So if you're heat sensitive, you maywant to avoid late spring and summer.
Some general tips.
(08:49):
In terms of safety, know where theembassy is and keep the phone number
and email address on you just in case.
Make sure you have a valid passportand tourist visa as well if required.
You can also enroll in the STEPprogram or similar program for
your country that provide securityalerts from the government.
(09:12):
Look into vaccine requirements and Makesure you can bring your prescription
medications into the country.
While they may be legal where youlive, they may not be in Syria.
During the tour the standout is usuallyconsidered to be the Roman Theater.
When gazing upon it.
(09:32):
Keep in mind that throughout its longhistory, even this architectural Marvel
underwent significant transformations,being fortified between 481 and 1251 AD
mainly to adapt to the need for defense.
You can also expect to see theAl-Omari Mosque, recognized
(09:56):
as one of the oldest survivingmosques in all of Islamic history.
Beyond the mosque, othersignificant landmarks include
the madrasa and the cathedral.
The cathedral in particular,holds importance for the study
of early Christian architecture,famed for its unique central plan.
(10:20):
Another site to consider bundling orchecking out are two Roman bridges nearby.
Of course, I would be remiss ifI didn't talk about the food.
One of the more classic dishesyou'll find is falafel with hummus.
Falafel is a deep fried mixture of beans,herbs and spices, while hummus is a dip
(10:45):
made from cooked chickpeas, tahini, lemonjuice, and sometimes spices or olive oil.
They pair incredibly well.
For dessert, you'll have to visit Bakdash,which is an ice cream parlor in Damascus,
well known for Booza, which is a frozendessert made with milk, cream, resin,
(11:10):
and orchid flour.
Yes, like flour madefrom the orchid flower.
This gives what would otherwise be justbasic ice cream an almost chewy texture,
like along the lines of saltwater taffy.
It also stays frozen longer so youdon't have to eat it as quickly
(11:30):
when the temperatures are scorching.
The ancient city of Bosra'scomplex and continue a spiritual
evolution is unlike any other.
The city structures tell the storyof Bosra's transformation through
the Roman, Byzantine and Muslim erasoffering a rare picture of how empires
(11:55):
rise, intersect and fall, leavingtheir mark on a place for eternity.
There is no doubt that Bosra servesas an open air museum showcasing
the significant ideas and profoundbeliefs of every civilization
(12:16):
that left its mark upon the city.
Join us for our next episode wherewe will cover yet another remarkable
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Until then, keep exploring, keepwondering, and keep treasuring
(12:36):
the remarkable diversityof our world's heritage.
Imagine a place that tells a story spanning centuries where
culture and nature intertwine tocreate something truly extraordinary.
That's the beauty of UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites.
I'm Abigail, and this is Global Treasures,the podcast that covers the history,
(00:23):
travel tips, and legends surroundingone of the 1,248 world heritage
sites each episode, these places havebeen identified as having universal,
cultural or natural significance thatis so exceptional that it transcends
(00:43):
national boundaries and is of importanceto present and future generations.
Welcome to season three, wherewe'll explore the 27 sites that
UNESCO added in 1980 together.
Thank you for listening to the podcast.
I appreciate all of your support,and you can continue to support us by
(01:07):
subscribing at Apple Podcasts, Spotify,Podbean, or your favorite platform.
You can also follow us on TikTok andFacebook for some travel inspiration
and updates when we drop new episodes.
In the southern region of Syria, a middleEastern country bordered by Turkey to
(01:29):
the north and the Mediterranean Seato the west holds the ancient city
of Bosra, a place of extraordinaryhistorical and cultural significance.
At its core stands a remarkablywell-preserved second
century AD Roman theater.
(01:49):
This imposing structure has defied thepassage of time and is one of the best
preserved Roman theaters on the planet.
The ruins of early Christian churchesstand alongside mosques and madrasas,
which are Islamic religious schools.
Long before its Roman connection, Bosra'ssignificance was carved into history.
(02:13):
Its name, Bosra appears on the Tellel Amarna tablets of Egypt, ancient
correspondence dating back to the14th century BC exchanged between
Pharaohs and Phoenician kings.
This early reference by royaltyspeaks to its enduring importance.
(02:36):
Bosra's very name is a tribute toBostras, a distinguished Roman general.
This city, steeped in imperialprowess served as a residence for a
legion of the Imperial Roman army.
In time, Bosra rose to prominencewhen it was designated as the
(02:57):
capital of the Nabataen kingdom.
Its destiny, however, was intertwinedwith the burgeoning Roman Empire
and in 106 AD it was formallyincorporated into its dominion.
Basra once held great politicaland strategic importance as
(03:18):
well, serving as the capital ofthe Roman province of Arabia.
But Bosra is far morethan a Roman antiquity.
During the rise of Christianity, thecity thrived, becoming a prominent
center of early biblical life.
During the Byzantine era, Bosratransformed into a bustling market,
(03:42):
turning into a crowded crossroadwhere Arab caravans converged
to replenish their supplies.
This strategic position turned itinto the first Byzantine stronghold to
welcome the Arabs, marking a pivotalmoment in the expansion of Islam.
(04:03):
With the spread of Islam, Bosra alsobecame a notable stopover on the
ancient pilgrimage route to Mecca.
Mecca is considered to be theholiest city in Islam and the
birthplace of the prophet Mohammed.
Mohammed was a revered religiousand political leader and
(04:23):
founder of the Islamic religion.
Its significance extends even further intothe spiritual realm for it was here that
Mohammed visited twice in his lifetime.
One legend even states that during hisfirst visit to Bosra, the monk, Behira,
(04:44):
who had remarkable foresight, declared theMohammed was destined to become a prophet.
Today while Bosra's ruins speakto its Christian and Roman past,
the majority of its currentinhabitants follow the Muslim faith,
continuing the city's legacyas a link between the ancient
(05:07):
and modern civilizations.
As centuries passed, the OttomanEmpire made its mark on the city
and its magnificence dwindled.
Yet the 20th century brought withit a new era of revitalization
sparked by the building of a railway.
(05:28):
Today, Bosra is on the World HeritageSite in Danger list due to armed Conflict.
The courtyard and parts of the Citadelwere damaged in December of 2015.
Unfortunately, over the years, artifactshave been trafficked and stolen as well.
(05:50):
At its peak, Bosra was acrowded metropolis, home to a
staggering 80,000 inhabitants.
As you stand within the city walls,consider you're standing on the
grounds marked by the historicfootprints of multiple civilizations.
(06:12):
Now that we briefly combed through theextensive history of this incredible
UNESCO World Heritage site, let's talkabout how to get there and some need
to know facts if you plan to visit.
I also will be sure to post linksand tools in the show notes that
hopefully will make your planningeasier, so check them out.
(06:34):
This site is unique in that whileyou can travel there, it's nearly
impossible to find a flight thatwill take you to directly to
Damascus International Airport.
You can expect to have at leasttwo layovers depending on what
country you're flying in from.
The airport is about two hours from Bosra.
(06:57):
I highly recommend you check the airlinewebsite daily if you've booked a trip, as
the airport has historically shut down forup to a month due to unrest and conflict.
I also don't suggest renting a carif you do travel independently.
Ask your hotel or tour guide forsuggestions on taxi or rideshare options.
(07:22):
For this site, I would urge you toconsider a group or private tour.
The primary language is Arabic, sothis will ensure you can get a guide
who speaks your native languageand is an expert on the site.
Many use Damascus as their baseand do a day trip here, either
(07:43):
again on a tour or independently.
That's likely because there are veryfew hotel options in Bosra proper.
Same goes with restaurants.
It just so happens that the ancientcity of Damascus is another UNESCO
World Heritage Site in Syria, andmany tours take you to both locations.
(08:05):
Damascus is a city with over 125monuments from different periods
in history and is one of the oldestcontinuously inhabited sites in the world.
If you wanna learn more, you cango back and listen to season two,
episode three of the podcast, whichcovered this site specifically.
(08:28):
In terms of the best times to visit,January does get chilly, but May through
October can be very hot, anywhere from85 to a hundred degrees Fahrenheit.
So if you're heat sensitive, you maywant to avoid late spring and summer.
Some general tips.
(08:49):
In terms of safety, know where theembassy is and keep the phone number
and email address on you just in case.
Make sure you have a valid passportand tourist visa as well if required.
You can also enroll in the STEPprogram or similar program for
your country that provide securityalerts from the government.
(09:12):
Look into vaccine requirements and Makesure you can bring your prescription
medications into the country.
While they may be legal where youlive, they may not be in Syria.
During the tour the standout is usuallyconsidered to be the Roman Theater.
When gazing upon it.
(09:32):
Keep in mind that throughout its longhistory, even this architectural Marvel
underwent significant transformations,being fortified between 481 and 1251 AD
mainly to adapt to the need for defense.
You can also expect to see theAl-Omari Mosque, recognized
(09:56):
as one of the oldest survivingmosques in all of Islamic history.
Beyond the mosque, othersignificant landmarks include
the madrasa and the cathedral.
The cathedral in particular,holds importance for the study
of early Christian architecture,famed for its unique central plan.
(10:20):
Another site to consider bundling orchecking out are two Roman bridges nearby.
Of course, I would be remiss ifI didn't talk about the food.
One of the more classic dishesyou'll find is falafel with hummus.
Falafel is a deep fried mixture of beans,herbs and spices, while hummus is a dip
(10:45):
made from cooked chickpeas, tahini, lemonjuice, and sometimes spices or olive oil.
They pair incredibly well.
For dessert, you'll have to visit Bakdash,which is an ice cream parlor in Damascus,
well known for Booza, which is a frozendessert made with milk, cream, resin,
(11:10):
and orchid flour.
Yes, like flour madefrom the orchid flower.
This gives what would otherwise be justbasic ice cream an almost chewy texture,
like along the lines of saltwater taffy.
It also stays frozen longer so youdon't have to eat it as quickly
(11:30):
when the temperatures are scorching.
The ancient city of Bosra'scomplex and continue a spiritual
evolution is unlike any other.
The city structures tell the storyof Bosra's transformation through
the Roman, Byzantine and Muslim erasoffering a rare picture of how empires
(11:55):
rise, intersect and fall, leavingtheir mark on a place for eternity.
There is no doubt that Bosra servesas an open air museum showcasing
the significant ideas and profoundbeliefs of every civilization
(12:16):
that left its mark upon the city.
Join us for our next episode wherewe will cover yet another remarkable
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Until then, keep exploring, keepwondering, and keep treasuring
(12:36):
the remarkable diversityof our world's heritage.
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