The Mediterranean Coastal Strip
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The Medieval Town of Tartous on the Syrian Coast (F. Cobbing, 1997) |
| This region, which is separated from the interior by
the Jebel Ansaria Mountains, falls culturally into the Canaanite
continuum, as opposed to the central Syrian cultural sphere of sites
in the Orontes valley. The 'Canaanite' character of the coast can be defined through the strong similarity of the material culture here with sites further south in Lebanon (such as Byblos), Israel and Jordan. Canaanite culture was based on craftsmanship and agriculture leading to trade. The primary trading partner was Egypt, but vigorous trade also took place with the Aegean, and, via the central Syrian cities, with Mesopotamia. The climate is typically Mediterranean with hot dry summers, and wet, windy winters and springs. Two of the major sites on the Syrian coast are Ras Ibn Hani and Ugarit (Ras Shamra) |
