Taken from the collection of studies published under the collective title Mémoires de l'histoire et de Ia geographie orientales, Mémoire sur la Conquête de la Syrie stands as a monument to the insight of M. J. de Goeje on the Arabic conquest of Syria. After setting the political milieu of Syria prior to the invasion, de Goeje moves on to the preparation and departure of the troops of Abu Bakr and the voyage of Khalid. The Battle of Ayjnadyn is presented in some detail before a more substantial consideration of Khalid’s role comes under scrutiny. Turning to the Battles of Fahal and Maraj-al-Safar, he traces the difficulties faced on the way to Damascus. The famous Battle of Yarmouk with its stirring defeat of the Byzantine army resulted in the subjugation of Syria to the Arabian army. De Goeje ends his account with the rule of Omar in Syria. This brief account of an important phase of Syria’s history will be sure to please those interested in the general history of the Middle East as well as scholars studying the rise of Islam.

Michael Jan de Goeje (1836-1909) was a Dutch Orientalist. He earned his doctorate at the University of Leiden where he later became professor of Arabic. His many editions of Arabic texts are still held in high regard today.