Edrei is modern-day Syrian Deraa mentioned in various ancient texts and inscriptions, including in the Bible, where it is referred to as Edrei. It is a biblical settlement that was conquered by the Israelites from the time of Og King of Bashan and later included in the possession of half of the tribe of Manasseh. The remains of the biblical city are hidden in Tel Shabtuch the city, and pottery from the Iron Age was found there

Deraa was an important city in the ancient Nabatean kingdom and later became a major center of trade and commerce under the Romans. During the Byzantine period, Deraa was an important center of Christianity and was home to several churches and monasteries

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