Jebel khalid, (Aleppo)

Abstract

Jebel Khalid is a large limestone mesa on the right bank of the Euphrates in north Syria, covering some 50ha of undulating land. There, early in the 3rd century BCE the Macedonian conquerors of the territory established a military colony to control the surrounding region as well as the river traffic. To protect the site, 3.4km of walling were promptly constructed on the inland side, along with 30 bastions and towers and massive city gates, and, within these walls, a separate walled acropolis was established on high ground, enclosing 2.2ha of land, with its own defensive towers and gateway.