The Euphrates River was one of the great waterways of the ancient world and the cradle of civilisation. Many great cities grew up along the banks of this long and tranquil river, the most important of which are Mari, which is over 3000 years old and Doura Europos from the Graeco Roman period.

Unfortunately the ruins of most sites, although precious in historical terms are not very well preserved and are mostly appealing for those with a keen interest in archaeology.

Other places of interest by the Euphrates are Ressafa, a Byzantine city which became a famous pilgrimage site following the martyrdom of St. Sergius in about 303; Raqaa, the summer capital of Haroun Al Rashid, the great Abassid Caliph of the 9th century, celebrated in the "1001 Nights" and Halabiye, the ancient city of Zenobia named after the Queen of Palmyra.

The main archaeological sites are Mari, a royal city state which flourished for over 1000 years from 2900 BC with links to Babylonia and Doura Europos, the greatest border fortress of the Graeco-Roman period.

Both of these sites can be easily reached from Deir-Ez-Dor, the main town along the Euphrates which also has an excellent museum of archaeology and an interesting market.