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Flavius Josephus Flavius Josephus (c. AD 37 – c. 100) was a Roman-Jewish historian and military leader. He is best known for The Jewish War and Antiquities of the Jews, key works on Jewish history. Initially fighting against Rome in the First Jewish–Roman War, he later defected and became an advisor to Emperor Vespasian and his son Titus. Josephus played a crucial role as a mediator and translator during the siege of Jerusalem in AD 70. His writings remain vital sources for understanding the history of ancient Israel, Jewish culture, and the Roman Empire. -
Strabo Strabo (64 or 63 BC – c. 24 AD) was an ancient Greek geographer who lived in Asia Minor during the transitional period from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. He is best known for his work Geographica, which presented a descriptive history of the people and places from different regions of the world known during his lifetime. Additionally, Strabo authored historical works, but only fragments and quotations of these survive in the writings of other authors. -
Karl Eduard Sachau Karl Eduard Sachau (born 20 July 1845, died 1930) was a German orientalist. He became a professor at the University of Vienna in 1872 and, in 1876, was appointed professor at the University of Berlin, where he became the director -
Prof. Dietrich Hermann Hegewisch Dietrich Hermann Hegewisch (15 December 1746 – 4 April 1812) was a German historian who was a native of Quakenbrück. He was the father of political publicist Franz Hermann Hegewisch (1783-1865). Hegewisch studied theology and history at the University of Göttingen. Following graduation he was a private tutor, then later worked as a newspaper editor in Hamburg. From 1782 to 1812 he was a full professor of history at the University of Kiel. In 1805 he was appointed Etatsrat by the Danish monarchy. -
Theodor Mommsen Theodor Mommsen (November 1817 – 1 November 1903) was a German classical scholar, historian, jurist, journalist, politician and archaeologist. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest classicists of the 19th century. He received the 1902 Nobel Prize in Literature for his historical writings, including The History of Rome, after having been nominated by 18 members of the Prussian Academy of Sciences. He was also a prominent German politician, as a member of the Prussian and German parliaments. His works on Roman law and on the law of obligations had a significant impact on the German civil code. -
Theodor Nöldeke Theodor Nöldeke (born March 2, 1836, Harburg, Hanover [Germany]—died December 25, 1930, Karlsruhe, Germany) was a German Orientalist noted for his Semitic and Islamic studies, which included a history of the Qurʾān (1859). After holding several academic posts, Nöldeke became professor of Oriental languages at the University of Strasbourg (1872–1906), then within the German Empire. His large contribution to the history of Semitic languages included the publication of several grammars. His other scholarly works included Geschichte der Perser und Araber zur Zeit der Sasaniden (1879; “History of the Persians and Arabs to the Sāsānid Period”), a version of the Arabic chronicle of aṭ-Ṭabarī. Among his works intended for a general readership were Orientalische Skizzen (1892; Sketches from Eastern History, 1892) and a life of Muḥammad (1863). -
Meshihâ-zkhâ The Chronicle of Arbela, attributed to Meshihâ-zkhâ and believed to date from the 6th century, consists of biographies of twenty bishops who led the Church of Adiabene until that time. This work provides insight into the early history and leadership of the church in the region.
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Shemon Bar Sabbae Shemon Bar Sabbae (d. 341 or 344) was the Bishop of Seleucia-Ctesiphon and a martyr. He was arrested for refusing a royal order to raise a double tax on Christians during the reign of Shapur II. After several meetings with the king, Shemon was executed. His martyrdom is recorded in Syriac texts, including the 'Martyrdom of Shemon' and the 'History of Shemon,' both of which highlight his steadfastness in faith and his role in the persecution of Christians under Shapur II. -
Agapius of Hierapolis Agapius of Hierapolis, also known as Maḥbūb ibn Qusṭanṭīn (died after 942), was a Melkite Christian historian and the bishop of Manbij in Syria. He wrote a universal history in Arabic, titled Kitāb al-ʿunwān ("Book of the Title"), which covers the history of the world from its creation up to the year 941/942. He was a contemporary of the annalist Eutychius (Said al-Bitriq), also a Melkite.
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Paul Al-Khoury Al-Kfarnissy Paul Al-Khoury Al-Kfarnissy (1888–1963) was a professor of Syriac at the Lebanese Maronite Order. His works include an unpublished history of Syriac literature. He is particularly known for his Grammar of the Aramaic Syriac Language, which is considered one of the best-written Syriac grammars produced in Arabic. -
Paulus Assemani Mgr Paul Assemani (1879–1958) was a Syrian priest and scholar. He was born in 1879 in Hasroun, Lebanon, and joined the Petit Séminaire of Ain Waraqa for his studies. He was ordained a priest in 1900. Mgr Assemani taught Arabic at the Patriarchal Seminary and was responsible for the Arabic section of the Chancery. Between 1914 and 1918, he returned to Lebanon and, on 8 September 1919, was appointed parish priest of the Holy Family Church in Ramallah, Palestine, where he served until 1921. In April 1921, he resumed his position as an Arabic language professor at the Patriarchal Seminary until 1933. In 1933, he became the Procurator of the Maronite Patriarchate and Rector of the Maronite Roman College in Rome. He celebrated his golden priesthood jubilee in 1950 at Saint Maron Church in Rome. Mgr Assemani was also a Commander of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. He passed away on 5 November 1958 in Rome after falling in an elevator shaft at the age of 80. Mgr Assemani translated approximately ten works and published a history of the Assemani family as well as a history of Syriac literature. -
Philoxenos Yuḥanon Dolabani Philoxenos Yuḥanon Dolabani (1885–1969) was a modern Syriac Orthodox writer, educator, and bishop of Mardin (1947–69). Born and raised in Mardin, he initially pursued a career in shoe-making but later became a monk in 1908. Dolabani taught at several monasteries and the Syriac Orthodox Orphanage in Adana. He accompanied Patriarch Eliya III on pastoral tours in the Middle East, particularly after World War I and the Sayfo massacres. In 1947, he was consecrated Bishop of Mardin. Dolabani edited various works, including an abridged version of the *Beth Gazo* and Bar ʿEbroyo’s *Book of the Dove*. He authored over 40 books in Syriac, Arabic, and Turkish. His autobiography was published posthumously in 2007. -
Mor Sevira Yacob Bartelli Mor Sevira Yacob Bartelli, Bishop of the Convent of Mor Matta and Azerbaijan, who died in 1241, in his book Questions and Answers, advises those studying the Syriac dialects: "Reject what they composed and be Syriac like the Syriacs."
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Mor Dionysius Bar Salibi Dionysios bar Ṣalibi (d. 1171) was the Metropolitan of Amid (modern-day Diyarbakır) and a prolific Syriac Orthodox author. He was likely born in Melitene, a cultural crossroads for Syriac and Greek influences. His first notable work was a refutation of Yuḥanon of Mardin's claim that the fall of Edessa in 1144 was against God's will. Initially banned, Dionysios' work was later accepted, leading to his appointment as Bishop of Marʿash in 1148. After Marʿash was taken by the Armenians in 1156, he returned to Melitene, later becoming the Bishop of Amid in 1166, where he restored the Church of Yoldat Aloho. Dionysios died in 1171 and was buried in Amid. -
Moses Bar Kepho Moses Bar Kepho was the bishop of Beth Raman and a significant Syriac theologian. Born in Balad (modern Eski Mosul), he became a monk at 20 and was consecrated bishop at around 30. His diocese covered Beth Raman, Beth Kiyonaye, Beth ʿArbaye, and Mosul. Known for his theological works, he was one of the greatest scholars in the Syriac Orthodox Church. His writings often used a formulaic, question-and-answer style, focusing on biblical exegesis, theology, and liturgy. He died on February 12, 903, at age 70 or 90.
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Dayroyo Anton of Tigrit Anton of Tagrit, also known as Antonius Rhetor, was a 9th-century Syriac Orthodox theologian, monk, and rhetor. He was based in Tagrit and is best remembered for his contribution to Syriac literature. One of his few surviving works, The Book of the Rhetoric (ܥܠ ܝܕܥܬܐ ܕܪܗܝܛܪܘܬܐ), was translated into several languages, including English. -
Mor Dionysius of Tel Mahre Dionysios of Tel Maḥre (Patriarch 818–845) was a historian and a Syriac Orthodox patriarch. Born in Tel Maḥre, he became a monk and was later elected patriarch in 818. His tenure was marked by challenges, including opposition from schismatic groups and tensions with Muslim authorities. He worked to maintain unity in the church, gaining official support from Caliph al-Maʾmūn in 820 and obtaining decrees to suppress rival bishops. Dionysios also intervened in other Christian communities' issues, including the Bashmurites' revolt. He authored a historical work covering ecclesiastical and secular matters, though only fragments remain. Dionysios died in 845.
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Chronicle of Zuqnin The Chronicle of Zuqnin is a universal history that begins with the creation of the world and concludes around 775, the time it was written. Known from a single manuscript, it is housed in the Vatican Library (Codex Zuqninensis Vat. Syr. 162) and includes additional folios in the British Library. The author's name is not provided, but it is likely Yeshuʿ the Stylite of Zuqnin, based on a 9th-century colophon. The chronicle is divided into four parts. Part I covers the creation to Constantine, using the Chronicle of Eusebius. Part II spans from Constantine to Theodosius II, based on sources like Socrates Scholasticus. Part III, using works like Yuḥanon of Ephesus' Ecclesiastical History, covers Zeno to Justinian. Part IV, the chronicler’s own contribution, discusses Justinian's reign up to 775, with detailed accounts of the early Abbasids' economic policies and the Syriac Orthodox Church in the Jazīra. -
His Holiness Patriarch Mor Severus of Antioch Severus of Antioch (d. 538) was a Syriac Orthodox theologian and patriarch, recognized as one of the most important Greek theologians of the 6th century. Born in Sozopolis, he converted to Christianity in 488 and later became a prominent anti-Chalcedonian leader. He was elected patriarch of Antioch in 512 but fled to Egypt in 518 after the pro-Chalcedonian emperor Justin I came to power. Severus' theological writings, mostly in Greek, were condemned by Emperor Justinian in 536, with many surviving only in Syriac translations. His works focused on refuting Chalcedonian positions and defending his Christological views. He also wrote letters, hymns, and theological treatises, and is remembered for his influence on Syriac Orthodox Christianity. He died in 538. -
Bishop Simeon of Beth Arsham Simeon of Beth Arsham was a 6th-century Syriac bishop known for defending Orthodox Christianity. As bishop near Seleucia-Ctesiphon, he opposed Nestorians and other heresies, converting many in Persia and Mesopotamia. After imprisonment, he continued his missionary work and served as an envoy between Byzantium and Persia. He died around 540 in Constantinople.
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John Rufus John Rufus was an anti-Chalcedonian priest of Antioch, a disciple of Peter the Iberian and an ecclesiastical historian who served as the bishop of Maiuma.
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Mor Mari the Apostle Saint Mari (Mor Mari), originally named Palut, was a disciple of Addai (Thaddeus of Edessa) and a key figure in early Christianity. As one of the 72 disciples, he was sent to preach in Mesopotamia, particularly around Nineveh, Nisibis, and along the Euphrates. He played a major role in spreading Christianity in Syria and Persia. According to tradition, Mor Mari performed many miracles, demonstrating his holiness. His missionary work laid the foundation for the Church of the East, and his legacy remains significant in Syriac Christian history. -
Addai the Apostle of Edessa Addai of Edessa (Mor Addai) was one of the 72 apostles of Jesus. According to tradition, he was a Jew from Edessa who became a follower of Jesus after hearing John the Baptist. After Pentecost, he preached in Mesopotamia, Syria, and Persia, converting many and establishing the church in Edessa. A key legend about Addai involves King Abgar of Edessa, who was said to have written to Jesus, asking for healing. Jesus supposedly replied, promising to send a disciple. After Jesus’ ascension, Addai was sent to Edessa, where he healed Abgar and spread Christianity. This story, recorded by Eusebius in the 4th century, later became central to Syriac Christian tradition. -
Eliya of Nisibis Metropolitan of Nisibis and author. Eliya d-Ṣoba or bar Shinaya was born in Shenna (North Iraq) and studied in the St. Michael’s monastery near Mosul. In 1002, he was ordained bp. of Beth Nuhadra and, in 1008, metropolitan of Nisibis. The majority of Eliya’s works were written in Arabic. -
Mor Jacob of Edessa Mor Jacob of Edessa (c. 684–9, 708) was one of the greatest Syriac Orthodox scholars, bishops, and biblical commentators. Born in ʿEn Deba, Antioch, he studied at the Monastery of Qenneshre and in Alexandria, mastering Greek and Syriac. Appointed Bishop of Edessa around 684, he resigned after a few years due to disagreements over canon law, famously burning a copy of the canons in protest. He later taught at the Monastery of Eusebona but left due to opposition to Greek influence. Settling at the Monastery of Tell ʿAda, he worked on revising the Old Testament. Reappointed as Bishop of Edessa in 708, he died four months later on June 5 at Tell ʿAda. A polymath, Jacob’s works significantly influenced the Syriac Orthodox Church, and miracles were reported at his tomb. -
Bar Hebraeus Bar Hebraeus [Bar 'Ebroyo] was the Syriac Orthodox Maphrian from 1264 until his death in 1286. He was consecrated in 1246 as Bishop over the district of Gubos by Patriarch Ignatius III David (1222–52) and at this consecration took the name Gregory. He became friends with the Eastern Catholicos, Yahballaha III and recognized the value of Christian unity amongst the "Nestorian", Greek, Latin, and Armenian Christians. As a young man in Antioch and Tripoli, Bar 'Ebroyo was educated in a broad range of fields and industrious in his publications. He published works in the following genres: encyclopedia, philosophy, medicine, mathematics, science, theology, canon law, Biblical exegesis, grammar, chronicles, other miscellaneous works. Bar ʿEbroyo composed over forty works covering a wide range of subjects, mostly in Syriac, but occasionally also in Arabic. Taken as a whole, Bar ʿEbroyo’s literary output may be seen as an attempt at a revival of learning in Syriac through the use of the latest scholarly literature which was available in his day mostly in Arabic. -
Mor Ignatius Aphrem I Patr. and scholar. He was born to Stephan Barsoum and Susan Abdulnur, who both hailed from distinguished families of Mosul, and was named Ayyoub. He studied as a child at the Dominican School in Mosul and then taught there after he graduated. He also studied Arabic literature and rhetoric at the hands of a local Muslim imām. He joined Dayr al-Zaʿfarān where he was tonsured a monk in 1907 and named Afram after St. Ephrem the Syrian, and later was ordained a priest in 1908. He taught at the school of the monastery, and became director of its printing press in 1911. In 1913, he embarked on a scholarly trip in the Ṭur ʿAbdin region studying local mss. He was consecrated bp. of Syria in 1918 and resided in Ḥimṣ; later Lebanon was added to his diocese. In 1919 he represented his church at the Paris Peace Conference and embarked on a second scholarly trip across Europe where he spent 17 months visiting libraries that hold Syriac mss. In 1927, he embarked on a third scholarly trip visiting Europe and the US, where he consecrated three churches in Worcester, MA, Patterson, NJ, and Rhode Island. During his stay there, he visited the University of Chicago where he worked at the Oriental Institute. In 1932 he became a member of the Syrian Academy. In 1933, he was elected and consecrated patr. , and transferred the Patriarchate to Ḥimṣ. He established in 1939 the Seminary of Saint Ephrem. He authored numerous books, published Syriac texts, and translated Syriac texts into Arabic. -
Mor Ephrem the Syrian Ephrem the Syrian (c. 306–373) is celebrated as the "Harp of the Holy Spirit," his evocative hymns and profound theological insights echoing through the ages. From his early days, his poetic brilliance and visionary thought captivated both common believers and church authorities, setting a luminous standard for Christian liturgy and doctrine. Through a vast body of work—ranging from stirring hymns to incisive theological treatises—Ephrem wove the mysteries of faith into a tapestry of divine poetry, offering solace and clarity amid times of doctrinal uncertainty. His enduring legacy continues to inspire theologians, poets, and seekers alike, illuminating the path to a deeper understanding of the sacred. -
Mor Jacob of Serugh Mor Jacob (♱ ca. 521) is known by his followers as the flute of the Holy Spirit (sometimes even the Harp), second only in importance to St. Ephrem himself. From an early age, his prophetic voice and poetic splendor were recognized by ecclesiastical authorities. He spent the majority of his life preaching throughout the territory of Batnan, but was ordained Bishop of Serugh in 518. Jacob remains not only an important spiritual writer, but an important source for historians of anti-Chalcedonian theology. Of his approximately 700 works, only roughly half survive, some of which have yet to be edited and many of which have yet to be translated into modern languages. -
Mor Michael Rabo Mor Michael Rabo (St. Michael the Great), born in 1126 in Melitine during Patriarch Mor Athanasius VII’s reign, was raised in a devout Syrian family and became a monk at Mor Barsawmo’s Monastery. Ordained first as a priest and Abbot, he was eventually elected (albeit reluctantly) as Patriarch of Antioch in 1166, moving the Patriarchal See to Mor Hananya Monastery and enacting numerous ecclesiastical reforms and synods to address discipline and heresy. A dedicated scholar and scribe, he authored significant works on liturgy, priesthood, and church history—including a comprehensive history from Creation to 1193—and transcribed key manuscripts, such as a Syriac Gospel later presented to Malankara. His leadership and scholarly contributions have earned him a lasting legacy as one of the Church’s most revered pontiffs.