The art of Ancient Syria is among the oldest in the Near East, dating as far back as 7th millennium B.C. Syria was ruled by numerous kingdoms throughout antiquity including the Canaanites, Phoenicians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Hittites, and later the Persians, Greeks and Romans. Each of these diverse civilizations brought with them a unique culture and artistic style, as evidenced in the ancient site of Ugarit, making the art of Ancient Syria rich and varied.