Topical Encyclopedia Coele-Syria, often referred to in historical and biblical contexts, is a region of significant importance in the ancient Near East. The name "Coele-Syria" is derived from the Greek "Koile Syria," meaning "Hollow Syria," which likely refers to the geographical depression between the Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges. This area is known today as the Beqaa Valley in modern-day Lebanon.Biblical References and Historical Context While the term "Coele-Syria" itself does not appear directly in the Bible, the region is implicitly referenced through its cities and the historical events that took place there. Coele-Syria was a strategic and contested area throughout biblical history, particularly during the Hellenistic period following the conquests of Alexander the Great. It became a focal point of conflict between the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt and the Seleucid Empire, both of which sought control over this fertile and strategically located land. The region's significance is underscored by its proximity to key biblical locations and events. For instance, the city of Damascus, which lies to the east of Coele-Syria, is frequently mentioned in the Bible. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19) highlights the area's importance as a center of early Christian activity. Geopolitical Importance Coele-Syria's location made it a vital corridor for trade and military campaigns. The fertile Beqaa Valley served as a breadbasket for surrounding regions, contributing to its desirability among ancient empires. The region's control was crucial for maintaining power over the Levant and securing trade routes that connected the Mediterranean with the interior of Asia. During the intertestamental period, Coele-Syria was a battleground for the Diadochi, the successors of Alexander the Great. The Seleucid and Ptolemaic dynasties fought several wars over this territory, known as the Syrian Wars. The region's control shifted multiple times, reflecting the broader power struggles of the Hellenistic world. Cultural and Religious Influence Coele-Syria was a melting pot of cultures and religions due to its position at the crossroads of major civilizations. The influence of Greek culture and language was significant during the Hellenistic period, as evidenced by the spread of Hellenism throughout the region. This cultural diffusion played a role in shaping the religious and social landscape of the area, which would later become a part of the Roman Empire. The Jewish population in Coele-Syria also contributed to the region's religious diversity. The Maccabean Revolt, which took place in the 2nd century BC, was partly a response to the Hellenistic influence and the imposition of Greek customs on Jewish communities in and around Coele-Syria. Legacy and Archaeological Significance Today, Coele-Syria's rich history is reflected in its archaeological sites, which offer insights into the ancient civilizations that once thrived there. Excavations have uncovered remnants of cities, temples, and fortifications that testify to the region's historical and cultural significance. In summary, Coele-Syria's role in biblical and historical narratives underscores its importance as a region of strategic, cultural, and religious significance. Its legacy continues to be a subject of interest for historians, archaeologists, and biblical scholars alike. Easton's Bible Dictionary Hollow Syria, the name (not found in Scripture) given by the Greeks to the extensive valley, about 100 miles long, between the Lebanon and the Anti-Lebanon range of mountains. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia COELE-SYRIAse-le-sir'-i-a (the King James Version Celosyria; Koile Suria, "hollow Syria"): So the Greeks after the time of Alexander the Great named the valley lying between the two mountain ranges, Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon. It is referred to in the Old Testament as Biq`ath ha-Lebhanon, "the valley of Lebanon" (Joshua 11:17), a name the echo of which is still heard in el-Buqa`, the designation applied today to the southern part of the valley. This hollow, which extends about 100 miles in length, is the continuation northward of the Jordan valley. The main physical features are described under LEBANON (which see). The name, however, did not always indicate the same tract of territory. In Strabo (xvi.2) and Ptolemy (v.15), it covers the fertile land between Jebel esh-Sharqy and the desert presided over by Damascus. In 1 Esdras 2:17; 2 Maccabees 3:8, etc., it indicates the country South and East of Mt. Lebanon, and along with Phoenicia it contributed the whole of the Seleucid dominions which lay South of the river Eleutherus. Josephus includes in Coele-Syria the country East of the Jordan, along with Scythopolis (Beisan) which lay on the West, separated by the river from the other members of the Decapolis (Ant., XIII, xiii, 2, etc.). In XIV, iv, 5, he says that "Pompey committed Coele-Syria as far as the river Euphrates and Egypt to Scaurus." The term is therefore one of some elasticity. Strong's Hebrew 206. Aven -- "wickedness," a contemptuous synonym for two places... Aven. The same as 'aven; idolatry; Aven, the contemptuous synonym of three places, one in Coele-Syria, one in Egypt (On), and one in Palestine (Bethel) -- Aven. ... /hebrew/206.htm - 6k 760. Aram Tsobah -- Aram-zobah Library Monks of Edessa: Julianus, Ephraim Syrus, Barus, and Eulogius ... How Alexander, Upon the League of Mutual Defense which Cleopatra ... Clement of Alexandria. The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt A Group of Miracles among a Semi-Heathen Population Theodulus Concerning Nebuchadnezzar and his Successors and How their ... To Bishop Romulus. Life at C??sarea; Baptism; and Adoption of Monastic Life. The Synodal Letter. Thesaurus Coelesyria... Lebanon and the Anti-Lebanon range of mountains. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. COELE-SYRIA. se-le-sir'-ia (the King James Version ... /c/coelesyria.htm - 8k Coele-syria Ptolemy Antiochus Lebanon (66 Occurrences) Nabathaeans Nabataeans Rehob (12 Occurrences) Epiphanes Champaign (1 Occurrence) Resources Does war with Syria have anything to do with the end times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Syria/Aram in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who is the king of the North in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |