Aleppo is a city in northern Syria that serves as the capital of the Aleppo Governorate. It is the largest city in Syria and one of the oldest continuously occupied cities worldwide. It is historically significant for its location at one end of the Silk Road, which passed through central Asia. Though trade declined in Aleppo, it is a significant site of medieval architecture and history as well as being a cultural centre. Many parts of the city were destroyed during the Battle of Aleppo (2012–2016) during the Syrian Civil War.