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 Da·mas·cus /dəˈmæskəs/
 大馬士革

 Damascus
      n : an ancient city (widely regarded as the world's oldest) and
          present capital and largest city of Syria; according to
          the New Testament, the Apostle Paul (then known as Saul)
          underwent a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus
          [syn: capital of Syria]

 Damascus
    activity, the most ancient of Oriental cities; the capital of
    Syria (Isa. 7:8; 17:3); situated about 133 miles to the north of
    Jerusalem. Its modern name is Esh-Sham; i.e., "the East."
      The situation of this city is said to be the most beautiful of
    all Western Asia. It is mentioned among the conquests of the
    Egyptian king Thothmes III. (B.C. 1500), and in the Amarna
    tablets (B.C. 1400).
      It is first mentioned in Scripture in connection with
    Abraham's victory over the confederate kings under Chedorlaomer
    (Gen. 14:15). It was the native place of Abraham's steward
    (15:2). It is not again noticed till the time of David, when
    "the Syrians of Damascus came to succour Hadadezer" (q.v.), 2
    Sam. 8:5; 1 Chr. 18:5. In the reign of Solomon, Rezon became
    leader of a band who revolted from Hadadezer (1 Kings 11:23),
    and betaking themselves to Damascus, settled there and made
    their leader king. There was a long war, with varying success,
    between the Israelites and Syrians, who at a later period became
    allies of Israel against Judah (2 Kings 15:37).
      The Syrians were at length subdued by the Assyrians, the city
    of Damascus was taken and destroyed, and the inhabitants carried
    captive into Assyria (2 Kings 16:7-9; comp. Isa. 7:8). In this,
    prophecy was fulfilled (Isa. 17:1; Amos 1:4; Jer. 49:24). The
    kingdom of Syria remained a province of Assyria till the capture
    of Nineveh by the Medes (B.C. 625), when it fell under the
    conquerors. After passing through various vicissitudes, Syria
    was invaded by the Romans (B.C. 64), and Damascus became the
    seat of the government of the province. In A.D. 37 Aretas, the
    king of Arabia, became master of Damascus, having driven back
    Herod Antipas.
      This city is memorable as the scene of Saul's conversion (Acts
    9:1-25). The street called "Straight," in which Judas lived, in
    whose house Saul was found by Ananias, is known by the name
    Sultany, or "Queen's Street." It is the principal street of the
    city. Paul visited Damascus again on his return from Arabia
    (Gal. 1:16, 17). Christianity was planted here as a centre (Acts
    9:20), from which it spread to the surrounding regions.
      In A.D. 634 Damascus was conquered by the growing Mohammedan
    power. In A.D. 1516 it fell under the dominion of the Turks, its
    present rulers. It is now the largest city in Asiatic Turkey.
    Christianity has again found a firm footing within its walls.

 Damascus, a sack full of blood; the similitude of burning