In their recurrent wars with Parthia the Roman emperors have on the whole had the upper hand, and this has allowed them to push the eastern frontier further into Parthian territory. The great legionary fortress of Dura-Europos is now the lynch-pin of the Roman defensive system in Syria.
Under Roman control, Syria has experienced a large measure of peace and security for more than two centuries. Trade has flourished, and the cities of the region are some of the most prosperous in the Roman Empire. Antioch is one of the four largest cities within the empire, along with Alexandria, Carthage and of course Rome itself.
The major exceptions to this long period of peace were the two great Jewish revolts of AD 66-74 and AD 132-33. These have resulted in the destruction of the ancient Jewish way of life in the region and the expulsion of all Jews from the area of Jerusalem. Indeed, Jerusalem itself is now a Roman colony, built on the ruins of the old Jewish city destroyed in AD 70.
Related Timelines:
Timeline of Middle East History
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