Maaloula is one of the world's few places where residents still speak Aramaic, the language that Jesus is believed to have used. The town is also home to Syria's two oldest active monasteries.

Secret tunnel reveals Assyrian god carvings with Aramaic inscriptions The Aramaic inscriptions, largely illegible, seem upon first reading to be discussing local politics circa 794 BC.

A Christian town in Syria keeps the biblical language of Aramaic alive. But it fears for its future - An ancient town in Syria is one of the world’s few places where residents still speak ...