Syrian Influences in the Roman Empire to AD 300

Syria has been neglected as a Roman province by comparison with regions such as Italy, Egypt and Greece. It was, however, an economic powerhouses of the empire from its annexation until after the empire’s dissolution; it was a major contributor to the military strength of the empire, notably in the recruitment of auxiliary regiments; many religions including Judaism, and pagan gods such as Jupiter Dolichenus, originated in Syria. This book, based on original sources, considers the means by which Syrians, whose country was only annexed to the empire in 64 BC, saw their influence penetrate all levels of society from private soldiers and ordinary citizens to priests and to imperial families.