Which Greek and Roman writings provide information about Syrian religion?

Several Greek and Latin writings from the Roman period provide information about ancient Syrian religion, though scholars note these sources are often much later than the periods they describe and may reflect Hellenistic influences.1

Key works include:

• De dea Syra ("About the Syrian Goddess"): Attributed to the 2nd-century CE satirist Lucian of Samosata, this work is considered an enduring and valuable source for understanding Canaanite religion and the worship of the Syrian goddess Atargatis.12
• Praeparatio evangelica ("Preparation for the Gospel"): Written by the 4th-century CE historian Eusebius of Caesarea, this text preserves extracts from a history of Phoenicia by Philo of Byblos (c. 100 CE). Philo claimed to translate the work of an early Phoenician priest named Sanchuniathon.1

While these sources are less hostile toward local religions than the Hebrew Bible, they often interpret myths euhemeristically—treating gods as historical figures—and may distort or exaggerate aspects of the religious traditions they describe.1