Zalabiyeh on the Euphrates: the historical evidence and the 2010 archaeological discoveries

Abstract

In 2010 the Syro-British Mission to Zalabiyeh began excavations at this Byzantine/early Islamic era citadel on the east bank of the river Euphrates opposite the more famous town of Halabiyeh. This article provides a brief historical overview of the site by examining the literary references to the castle before discussing the discoveries made during the summer of 2010. By considering the evidence provided by the standing architecture at the site, namely the extant walls of the fortification, and relating this to the archaeological evidence for a major fire episode occurring in the early Islamic era, the authors argue that the site was occupied between the late fifth/early sixth century CE and the mid eighth century CE. After a case of arson, the reasons for which remain unknown, Zalabiyeh appears to have been abandoned leading us to conclude that it was only active for approximately 250 years.