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What religion was Syria before Islam?

Published in Syrian History 1 min read

Before the Muslim conquest in 634 AD, the dominant religion in Syria was Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

Syria, as part of the Byzantine Empire, was deeply rooted in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. This formed the core of the region's religious identity for centuries before the arrival of Islam.

  • Eastern Orthodox Christianity: This was the state religion of the Byzantine Empire, which controlled Syria at the time.
  • Prevalence: The population largely adhered to various Eastern Orthodox Christian denominations.
  • Influence: Christian institutions played a significant role in the social, cultural, and political life of Syria.
  • Religious Landscape: While Eastern Orthodox Christianity was dominant, other religious groups, including Jews and smaller groups of pagans, also existed.

The Muslim conquest brought significant changes, but the Christian presence continued and remains a part of Syria's diverse religious landscape to this day.

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