The past few centuries have seen Syria and Israel come under the control of the great empires of Assyria, Babylon and now Persia. This has been accompanied by great upheavals – the fall of proud and ancient kingdoms and cities, the enforced migration of their peoples. The Phoenician cities of the Syrian coast have retained much of their autonomy, as their wealth and seafaring skills have been recognized by the imperial powers; however the inland states of Syria and Israel have all suffered total destruction. The unique exception to this picture is the restoration of the Jews to their homeland in Judah by the Persian government.
One result of this upheaval of peoples is that the different languages spoken by the inhabitants of the region have been largely eclipsed, and replaced by one international language, Aramaic. This, together with the great roads built by the Persians and their predecessors, as well as the international peace provided by the imperial powers, has stimulated the expansion of trade and the growth of cities.
Related Timelines:
Timeline of Middle East History
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