Historic Byzantine Tomb Complex Discovered in Syria
Maarat al-Numan, Idlib — A remarkable archaeological discovery has emerged from the rubble of a destroyed home in Syria, where a contractor unearthed the remains of an underground Byzantine tomb complex, believed to be over 1,500 years old. This significant find occurred in the Idlib province, a region currently focused on rebuilding following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime last December.
The contractor, engaged in reconstruction efforts, discovered stone openings during the demolition process. Local residents quickly alerted the authorities, who subsequently sent a specialized team to secure and evaluate the site. Initial investigations revealed a pit adjacent to a damaged building leading down to two burial chambers, each containing six stone tombs, with one column marked by a cross.
Hassan al-Ismail, the director of antiquities in Idlib, confirmed the Byzantine era dating of the tomb based on the discovered artifacts, including pottery and glass pieces. Notably, Idlib is home to a wealth of archaeological heritage, housing one-third of Syria’s monuments and around 800 archaeological sites, as well as an ancient city.
The Byzantine Empire, which began in the 4th century AD, succeeded the Roman Empire, with Christianity as its official religion and capital in Constantinople. Local resident Ghiath Sheikh Diab recalled a time when such finds were often concealed for fear of property confiscation under the previous regime, highlighting the cultural and economic significance of these discoveries.
Another local, Abed Jaafar, expressed hope that restoring these antiquities could revive tourism and bolster the community’s economy, reflecting a shared desire to reclaim the region’s historical legacy.
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