# Ebla

> ancient city

**Wikidata**: [Q5743](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5743)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ebla)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ebla

## Summary
Ebla is an ancient city located in the Idlib Governorate of Syria, functioning historically as a sovereign state and a tell, or ancient settlement mound. Also known by the alias Tell Mardikh, the city was established around 3000 BCE and dissolved approximately 760 years later in 2240 BCE.

## Key Facts
- **Inception:** Circa 3000 BCE (-3000-00-00T00:00:00Z)
- **Dissolved:** Circa 2240 BCE (-2240-01-01T00:00:00Z)
- **Alias:** Tell Mardikh
- **Location:** Idlib Governorate, Syria
- **Coordinates:** Latitude 35.798056, Longitude 36.798611
- **Classification:** Ancient city, tell (ancient settlement mound), historical country, sovereign state
- **Language:** Eblaite (Extinct Semitic language)
- **Country Context:** Located in Syria (inception: 1920-03-08)
- **Wikipedia Title:** Ebla
- **Sitelink Count:** 55

## FAQs
**Where is Ebla located?**
Ebla is situated in the Idlib Governorate, which is a governorate of Syria, a country in West Asia.

**What time period did Ebla exist in?**
The city existed during a historical period spanning from its inception in 3000 BCE to its dissolution in 2240 BCE.

**What language was spoken in Ebla?**
The Eblaite language, an extinct Semitic language, was spoken in this ancient city.

**Is Ebla classified as a state?**
Yes, Ebla is classified as both a historical country and a sovereign state, indicating it held the highest authority over its territory.

**What is the geographical nature of the site?**
The site is identified as a tell, which is a type of ancient settlement mound.

## Why It Matters
Ebla matters as a significant archaeological and historical entity that functioned as an independent sovereign state for nearly eight centuries. Its status as a tell provides a physical record of an ancient settlement mound, offering valuable data regarding historical urban development. Furthermore, as the center of the Eblaite language, it represents a crucial node in the study of extinct Semitic languages and the broader linguistic history of West Asia.

## Notable For
- Being classified as a "tell," a specific type of ancient settlement mound.
- Existing as a distinct historical country and sovereign state during the third millennium BCE.
- Serving as the home of the Eblaite language, an extinct Semitic tongue.
- Maintaining a recorded lifespan from approximately 3000 BCE to 2240 BCE.
- Possessing the alias "Tell Mardikh."

## Body

### Location and Geography
Ebla is geographically positioned in the Idlib Governorate, a region within the country of Syria. Syria, a sovereign state in West Asia, was formally established as a country on March 8, 1920. The precise coordinates of the ancient city of Ebla are recorded at a latitude of 35.798056 and a longitude of 36.798611. This location places the settlement within the broader context of the Near East's historical landscape.

### Historical Timeline
The city's timeline is defined by specific inception and dissolution dates. Ebla came into existence in 3000 BCE, marking the start of its influence as a historical country. It remained a prominent entity until its dissolution in 2240 BCE. This duration places Ebla within a specific historical period characterized by the rise and fall of early city-states and sovereign entities in the region.

### Classification and Structure
Ebla is categorized under several classifications that define its nature and structure. It is fundamentally described as an ancient city. Additionally, it is technically classified as a "tell," referring to an ancient settlement mound formed by the accumulation of occupation debris. In terms of political status, Ebla is recognized as a historical country and a sovereign state, the latter defined as a state possessing the highest authority over a territory.

### Language and Culture
The cultural identity of Ebla is closely tied to the Eblaite language. This language is classified as an extinct Semitic language that was specifically spoken in Ebla. The presence of this language connects the city to the broader linguistic family of Semitic languages native to West Asia.

### Metadata and Documentation
In terms of documented records, Ebla is associated with a Wikipedia title simply listed as "Ebla." The entity maintains a sitelink count of 55, reflecting its degree of recognition and documentation across various knowledge platforms. It is also widely recognized by its alias, Tell Mardikh.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Source](https://vici.org/vici/21308)
4. Quora
5. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
6. [Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands](https://biblio.hiu.cas.cz/records/69dc072e-284c-48d4-b048-152ffcfb3c68)