Location: 60 km (37 mi) North- East from Hama Map
Constructed: 6th century
Qasr ibn Wardan is a medieval settlement constructed 60 km (37 mi) North- East from Hama in Syria. Qasr ibn Wardan was constructed by the Byzantines in the 6th century during reign of Emperor Justinian I (ruled 527–565) as part of his massive attempt to reinstate Roman Empire as a World Power. In the West his armies took over Italy and North Africa, while in the East he ordered construction of frontier fortresses to defend his empire from the enemy intrusions. Impressive settlement that was erected in the Syrian desert was supposed to impress Sassanid Persians and local Bedouins and deter any possible attacks in the future. This complex consisted of a main administrative building, military barracks for Byzantine soldiers and a beautiful church constructed from two types of stone. In the early medieval period it was covered by a dome with a cross that was visible from a large distance away. Over time fortress was abandoned and many of the structures were left for natural elements. However unlike other Byzantine cities Qasr ibn Wardan was situated in a region with a low population. This preserved many of its structures from looting and quarrying for stone.