First Published in 2007, This historical survey written by a scholar and traveller gives the reader a well informed and readable account of an area of the world which has held and still holds a most significant geographical location in the Middle East - both culturally and commercially. Topics covered include - the bedouin trouble in the area, their origins and organization, ancient and medieval trade, early travellers, accounts of the important Altar of Damascus, Aleppo, Baghdad, Al Wasera, the caravan, state, the 'hajj', and much more.