I've often heard statements that the Middle East was once more heavily forested in the days before Alexander. Is there any truth to this?

by der_allgemein

I've often heard statements that the Middle East was once more heavily forested in the days before Alexander. Is there any truth to this and do we have any accounts from of the time of this being the case? What might have caused the region to become drier?

der_allgemein

For reference, I first heard of this in a science lecture, although it was only briefly mentioned. I'd love some academic sources or perhaps a first hand testimony that has survived to the present.

I've come across infrequent articles that have also stated this, but are not referenced:

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2015/09/lost-forests-middle-east-environment-lebanon-rubbish-150902115715642.html

http://www.fao.org/docrep/e3200e/e3200e03.htm

https://thevelvetrocket.com/2011/06/04/the-cedar-forests-of-lebanon/