Apamea, Syria Stock Photo

Syria: Cardo Maxima of Apamea in the sunset. Apamea on the right bank of the Orontes River, was a treasure city and stud-depot of the Seleucid kings, and was the capital of Apamene. Its site is found about 55 km (34 mi) to the northwest of Hama, Syria, overlooking the Ghab valley. Previously known as Pharmake, it was fortified and enlarged by Seleucus I Nicator in 300 BC, who so named it after his Bactrian wife, Apama. Most of the uncovered ruins in it date back to the Roman and Byzantine ages.