Page "History of Syria" Paragraph 35

In the late 11th century, Syria was conquered first by the Seljuks and then carved between Turkmen tribes and participants of the first Crusade.

In time, the Islamic part of Syria expanded up to the Orontes river and became a center of anti-crusader activity, especially for Zengi, Nur ad-Din and his successor and rival, Saladin.

Even so, sections of the coastline of Syria were briefly held by Frankish crusader states.

In the 13th century, the first Mongols arrived, destroying cities and irrigation works.

By the end of the 15th century, the discovery of a sea route from Europe to the Far East ended the need for an overland trade route through Syria.