Twilight Cities: Lost Capitals of the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean Sea has been the shared horizon of innumerable cultures since the dawn of history, with Tyre, Carthage, Syracuse, Ravenna, and Antioch being among the oldest and most intriguing cities. However, their fates have been remarkably different, with all five having declined into relative obscurity. Historian Katherine Pangonis sets out on a voyage from the dawn of civilization on the Lebanese coast to a modern-day Turkey wracked by the 2023 earthquake to bring these mysterious lost capitals to life and reflect on the sometimes fleeting glory of empires.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2024
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

The Mediterranean Sea, with its name meaning "center of the world," has been a shared horizon for countless cultures since the dawn of history. Here, history intertwines with legend, and the glittering surface of the sea conceals remnants of lost civilizations, wrecked treasure ships, and the bones of long-drowned sailors, traders, and modern refugees. Among the many cities that dot this ancient coastline, Tyre, Carthage, Syracuse, Ravenna, and Antioch stand out as some of the oldest and most intriguing. These cities are beautifully situated and are rivaled only by their sister cities of Rome, Istanbul, and Jerusalem in terms of their layers of history and cultural riches. However, their fates have been remarkably different. Once major power centers, all five have declined into relative obscurity. Nevertheless, their intertwined history encompasses the reigns of Alexander the Great, Nebuchadnezzar, Archimedes, and the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, and Norman conquests. Their greatness still resonates for those who seek it out.

In order to bring these mysterious lost capitals to life, historian Katherine Pangonis embarks on a voyage from the dawn of civilization on the Lebanese coast to a modern-day Turkey ravaged by the devastating 2023 earthquake. Through a combination of on-the-ground research and captivating storytelling skills, Pangonis presents a revelatory new story of the Mediterranean and a powerful reflection on the fleeting glory of empires.

The Mediterranean Sea has been a cradle of civilization for thousands of years, with its diverse cultures and rich history. From the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome to the medieval empires of the Byzantine and Arab world, the Mediterranean has played a pivotal role in shaping the world we know today.

One of the most intriguing cities on the Mediterranean coast is Tyre, which was once a major trading center and a center of learning. Located in present-day Lebanon, Tyre has a long and rich history that dates back to the Phoenician civilization. The city was known for its impressive architecture, including the Tyre Temple, one of the oldest surviving temples in the world.

Tyre's decline began in the 7th century BC when it was conquered by the Assyrians. However, the city continued to thrive as a trading center until it was conquered by the Romans in the 1st century BC. Under Roman rule. The city was known for its impressive aqueducts, which provided fresh water to the city and its inhabitants.

Despite its decline, Tyre remains an important historical site and a symbol of the resilience of the Lebanese people. The city has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and efforts are being made to preserve its cultural heritage and historical significance.

Another city on the Mediterranean coast that has a rich history is Carthage, which was founded by the Phoenicians in the 9th century BC. Carthage was a major power in the ancient world and was known for its impressive military prowess and advanced technology. The city was also home to the famous Carthaginian Wars, which pitted the Roman Republic against Carthage in a series of bloody battles.

Carthage's decline began in the 3rd century BC when it was conquered by the Romans. The city was destroyed, and its inhabitants were forced to flee to other parts of the world. However, Carthage's legacy lives on in the form of its impressive architecture, including the Roman Theatre, one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world.

Syracuse, located in present-day Italy, is another city with a rich history. The city was founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC and was known for its impressive architecture, including the Temple of Apollo. Syracuse was also a major center of learning and was home to the famous philosopher Plato.

Syracuse's decline began in the 4th century BC when it was conquered by the Romans. The city was sacked, and its inhabitants were forced to flee to other parts of the world. However, Syracuse's legacy lives on in the form of its impressive architecture, including the Roman Amphitheater, which is one of the largest and best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world.

Ravenna, located in present-day Italy, is another city with a rich history. The city was founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC and was known for its impressive architecture, including the Basilica of San Vitale. Ravenna was also a major center of learning and was home to the famous poet Dante Alighieri.

Ravenna's decline began in the 5th century AD when it was conquered by the Ostrogoths. The city was sacked, and its inhabitants were forced to flee to other parts of the world. However, Ravenna's legacy lives on in the form of its impressive architecture, including the Byzantine mosaics that adorn the walls and ceilings of its churches and palaces.

Antioch, located in present-day Turkey, is another city with a rich history. The city was founded by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC and was known for its impressive architecture, including the Temple of Zeus. Antioch was also a major center of learning and was home to the famous philosopher St. Paul.

Antioch's decline began in the 7th century AD when it was conquered by the Arabs. The city was sacked, and its inhabitants were forced to flee to other parts of the world. However, Antioch's legacy lives on in the form of its impressive architecture, including the Roman Theater, which is one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world.

The Mediterranean Sea has been a source of inspiration for countless artists, writers, and musicians throughout history. The sea's beauty, mystery, and intrigue have captured the hearts and minds of people for centuries, and its legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and thinkers.

In conclusion, the Mediterranean Sea has a rich and complex history that spans thousands of years. From the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome to the medieval empires of the Byzantine and Arab world, the Mediterranean has played a pivotal role in shaping the world we know today. The cities that dot the Mediterranean coast, such as Tyre, Carthage, Syracuse, Ravenna, and Antioch, are a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Despite their decline, these cities continue to inspire and captivate people from all over the world, and their legacy will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

Weight: 268g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474614139