The course is dedicated to the material culture of Jordan, Syria and Lebanon, from the Hellenistic period to the end of the Byzantine period. The conquests of Alexander the Great and the creation of Hellenism influenced the development of the architecture and material culture of the region, turning it to one of the most important centers in the Mediterranean. We will focus on various aspects related to the Hellenistic and Roman urbanization of Syria, Jordan and Lebanon, alongside with study of key archaeological sites of the region, including Palmyra, Bostra, Dura Europos, Petra, and the cities of Decapolis. We will also discuss the changes of the Byzantine period related to Christianity and the development of the monastic movement, as well as the cultural ties of the region with the Land of Israel.