History of Syria

History of Syria covers the developments in the region of Syria (Greek Συρία) and modern Syrian Arab Republic. Syria most likely derives from the name of the Neo-Assyrian Empire established in the 10th century BC. Modern Syria became independent in 1946 following a period of French occupation (1917–20) and Mandate (1920-1946). In 1958, the Republic of Syria became briefly part of the United Arab Republic but in 1961 withdrew from the federation. From 1963, the Syrian Arab Republic has been ruled by the Ba'ath with the Assad family exclusively from 1970. Currently Syria is fractured between rival forces on the course of the Syrian Civil War.

The history of the region may be divided into periods as follows,

• Prehistory of the Levant

• Ancient Near East: see, Ebla, Mitanni, Neo-Assyrian Empire, Syro-Hittite states

• Classical Antiquity: Neo-Babylonian Empire, Achaemenid Syria, Hellenistic Syria, Roman Syria, Parthian Empire, Sasanian Empire

• Middle Ages: Muslim conquest of Syria, Umayyad Caliphate, Seljuk Empire, County of Edessa, Principality of Antioch, Mongol invasions of Syria, Ilkhanate, Mamluk Sultanate (Cairo)

• Early Modern period: see Ottoman Syria,

• Modern history of Syria: see French Mandate of Syria, Syrian Republic (1930–1958), 1963 Syrian coup d'état, Ba'ath Party (Syrian-led faction), Syrian Civil War

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