Hisn Maslama

[1] Originally founded as a rural estate by the Umayyad general Maslama ibn Abd al-Malik in the 700s, it expanded significantly during the Abbasid period and grew into a small city.

[2] Architectural remains from the Umayyad period at Hisn Maslama are limited, consisting only of some construction beneath the central building in the site's northern enclosure.

[1] Under the Abbasids, the nature of Hisn Maslama changed from a rural estate to an urban settlement with a market economy using coins for everyday transactions.

[2] The reason for Hisn Maslama's expansion, like other settlements in the area, is probably because Harun al-Rashid moved his court to Raqqa in 796, which created a new demand for agricultural produce and stimulated the region's economy in general.

[1] The northern part of early Abbasid Hisn Maslama was enclosed by square city walls, 330x330m in length with projecting half-towers similar to the ones at Tall Mahra and al-Jarud.

[2] The rule of the Hamdanids was also devastating; after they took Raqqa in 942, it no longer served as a garrison city for the Abbasids, and the loss of the soldiers and their disposable income meant that economic activity decreased in general.