It came into being because the author was asked by a friend to set down in writing what he considered to be the most important things that a human being can know. He was also asked to make it very easy, and despite the depth of all that it contains, it has in fact a remarkable simplicity and clarity, due no doubt to the constant use of traditional imagery which awakens and penetrates the imagination.

    

    The story of its community, administered by Rome, Byzantium, Arabs, Crusades, and Turks, reflects the vicissitudes of Mesopotamian history.