Geography of Hamah
Hamah, or Hama, Syria, the capital of Hamah province. Hamah lies on the Orontes River, about 115 miles (185 km) north of Damascus, the national capital. It is a marketing and processing center for an irrigated region in the Orontes Valley. Hamah is noted for its ancient water wheels, which are as much as 70 feet (20 m) high and have been in use since Roman times. Also notable are the gardens along the river and a fortress that predates the Christian Era.
Hamah was probably founded by the Hittites, an ancient people of Asia Minor. The city was known as Hamath in Biblical times.
Population: 582,120.