ABSTRACT
The arrival of the Aramaeans brought a new and dynamic leadership group which transformed Damascus’ collection of hamlets into a regional power, Aram-Damascus, which at times clashed with other emerging kingdoms to the south, notably Judah and Israel. Under Hazael (842–c.800 BC) Damascus became a regional power controlling territory into northern Palestine. New threats emerged from across the Euphrates to the east with the neo-Assyrian kingdom encroaching onto both Aram-Damascus and the kingdoms of the Old Testament. The traditional villages which had coalesced to form the sizeable urban centre of Ta-ms-qu became the base for the development of the agricultural potential of the oasis. From this era we have evidence of the importance of its Temple to Hadad, the Aramaean storm god, a deity already attracting a regional following.
