The Empire of Aram was a nation in the Middle East between the Treaty of Babylon in 653 and ???. Ever since its inception, due to its strategic location and high population, Aram was one of the chief players of the Middle East up until its decline during the reign of weak Emperor Nestorius II (681-704) although slightly restored under his son Nestorius III (704-733) and more vitally under Illi-bāni-apli/Afrêm I (733-749), Yamel Illi/Simeon I (749-???) before slowly declining once again.