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The theater, magnificently restored by the Directorate of Antiques of Syria, was transformed into a fortress early
in the 13th century by the Ayoubides in order to protect the Damascus road from the Crusaders and stop their incursions
into the rich plains of the Hauran. A mosque was then erected on the place of the stage while the periphery of
the hemicycle and the building of the stage were reinforced by towers.
The archaeological interest of Bosra is not limited to this theater. An arch of triumph with three openings fairly
well preserved, thermae and Islamic monuments such as the mosque of Omar, reconstructed in the early 12th century,
are equally worthy of your attention.
On your return to Damascus, either back via Sweida or by the Deraa highway, a detour to Ezraa will allow you to
visit oneof the most venerable Byzantine churches of Syria. Dedicated to Saint George, it was erected in 410 on
the place of a pagan temple. |
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