Other similarities with history could be the general region of the Middle East.
Syria and Judea in particular are conflict magnets.

It was a mess during the war between Egypt and the Hittites.

It was a mess during the war between Egypt and Babylon.

It was a mess during the time of the Diadochi.

It was a mess during the wars between the Eastern Roman Empire and the Sassanid Persians.

It was a mess during the Crusades.

It was a mess during the breakup of Saladin's Empire.

It was a mess during the Mongol invasion.

It was a mess during WWI.

It was a mess after WWII.

And It's still a mess today. The crossroads of the world seem to draw trouble like s*** draws flies.