Images Saint Simeon

The earliest settlement in the massif of the Dead Cities is dated 1st century A.D. Between 340 and 550 a significant population expansion, especially of Syriac-speaking farmers and peasants as well as the droves of the faithful attracted to the pillar of Saint Simeon, made the population increase substantially in the region. From the 1st to the 3rd century, the villages enjoyed real prosperity continuing into the 4th century. Their wealth came mainly from olive trees and vineyards. Wise management of agriculture surpluses favoured trade. In the 7th century, the cities were taken over by the Arab conquest.