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EGMONT STRIGL / ROBERTHARDING.COM

CRADLE OF CHRISTIANITY. Between the fourth and sixth centuries, Roman Syria, one of the first regions where belief in Jesus spread outside of Judea, saw an unprecedented boom in Christian worship. Christian communities thrived especially on the Aleppo Plateau, where profitable agriculture and trade generated considerable wealth and prosperity. Built with local limestone, entire settlements, including the town of Serjilla pictured here, have survived to bring witness to this glorious period. Today, the ancient churches, bathhouses, and private villas dotting the plateau’s hills and valleys are known as the “Dead Cities.”