Latakia

Latakia (Turk. Ladikiyel), a decayed seaport of Syria, with a sanded-up harbour, stands on a rocky cape 75 miles N. of Tripoli. It possesses remains of Roman buildings, having been a flourishing port during the early empire; it was still a wealthy city at the time of the Crusades. The present town occupies the site of the ancient Laodicea ad Mare, which was founded by Seleucus Nicator, and named after his mother. Pop. estimated at 10,000, who export the Latakia tobacco, grown on the hills in the interior, and some grain, silk, sponges, oils, &c.