George Thomas Bettany

Etymology And Definition Of Syriac

"The word Syria is really an abbreviation of Assyria; but after the fall of the Assyrian empire the term became limited to the country west of the Euphrates, although the people west of the Tigris Early continued to be called Syrians. The modern Semitic people Syrians, occupying Syria are most accurately termed Aramaeans. When we first hear of the inhabitants of Syria they were divided into small tribes around towns or cities. But there is much doubt as to the origin, character, and achievements of the people known from Egyptian records as "Cheta," who had a powerful kingdom or confederation extending far beyond Syria, with a capital called Carchemish — and who have been identified in modern times with the Hittites."