| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | ~55 km southwest of Aleppo, ~280 km from Damascus |
| Founded | Around 3000 BCE |
| Era | Early Bronze Age to Iron Age |
| Size | ~60 hectares (approx. 150 acres) |
| Needed Time to Visit | 1–2 hours |
| Key Highlights | Palace ruins, archive of 17,000+ cuneiform tablets, monumental gates |
| Accessibility | Reachable by road from Aleppo; no major tourist infrastructure |
| Nearby Sites | Apamea, Aleppo Citadel, Qalaat Samaan, Dead Cities |
| Why Visit | One of the world’s earliest known kingdoms; pivotal in Mesopotamian history |
Ebla, the ancient city located at Tell Mardikh in northern Syria, is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Flourishing more than 4,500 years ago, Ebla was a powerful city-state and a key player in trade, diplomacy, and early written history.
Why Visit
Ebla’s main appeal lies in its vast palace complex and the incredible archive of over 17,000 cuneiform tablets, discovered in the 1970s. These tablets—written in both Sumerian and Eblaite—shed light on political relations, trade, law, and religion in the ancient Near East. Walking through Ebla is like stepping into the Bronze Age.
What to Know Before You Go
- There are no formal visitor facilities, so bring water and wear sun protection.
- The site is uncovered and partially restored, offering raw and authentic ruins.
- Guided tours are rare; a personal guide or preparation is highly recommended.
- Best visited in spring or autumn due to the hot climate.
How to Reach
- From Aleppo: Ebla is about an hour’s drive southwest. Head towards Idlib, then continue to the small village of Mardikh.
- From Damascus: Around 4.5–5 hours by car (~280 km); road conditions vary.
- Public transportation is limited; private car or hired driver is preferred.
Nearby Attractions
- Aleppo Citadel – One of the oldest and largest fortresses in the world.
- Qalaat Samaan (St. Simeon’s Basilica) – A well-preserved Byzantine pilgrimage site.
- Apamea – Roman colonnaded city near Hama.
- Dead Cities – Abandoned Byzantine towns scattered nearby.
