An abundant archeological excavations year in Syria
Syria, Local, 10/27/2004

Syria is famous for its archeological sites that amount to 4,000. This number is increasing due to efforts by more than 120 archeological national and foreign teams working in Syria. Archeological excavations had unearthed important ruins that date back to old ages, a matter that confirms Syria's rich historical, human and civilization heritage.

Among the most important findings is the Nabatyiah Cemetery that was excavated south of Sweida, south of the country and includes four tombs separated by an internal foyer on the middle of which there is a main tomb higher than the others. It is believed to be the main burial place of one of the rulers or princes in that period.

In Sweida also, national teams unearthed a Nabatyian cemetery in Salkhad Citadel that dates back to before the first century A.D.

In the southern Sweida Province of Qrayya, the Syrian National Excavation Mission unearthed some archeological unique findings from the main park of the village, including clay oil lamps, fractures and remnants of coins, jugs and glass bracelet, in addition to parts of a very old wall and stone bricks thought to be the basis of a huge tower or a mosque minaret close to the main yard. The Mission also finished the first stage of excavations at the archeological site of Tell al-Dubba which was inhabited as early as the 2nd Millennium B.C.. The place is marked by its gigantic stone defensive fences. Some pieces of clay were unearthed at the site.

During excavations fractures of different stone and clay house appliances were discovered along with a little dish made from black smooth stone with head of calf engraved on it. In the archeological cemetery in the village of Ghareyyeh, the Mission unearthed a set of glass and clay vases, little jugs, oil lamps, some rings, bracelets, earring and coins.

In the central province of Hama, the Belgium mission finished its works at Aphamia ancient site, excavating archeological sites close to the Temple of God of Happiness.

The mission also unearthed a building believed to be a governmental building from the Byzantine and Roman periods. The building's floor is covered with mosaic with a square that has eastern and western entrances.

In Tel al-Asharneh, the Canadian mission excavated a tower on top of the hill that dates back to the crusade wars in the 11th century A.D.

For its part, the Japanese mission is following up excavations and scientific research in the Syrian central city of Palmyra in the cemetery of Taboul Family.

The French archeological team working in defensive walls in Palmyra discovered an invitation card to religious banquets made of clay with drawings of God Bel and Goddess of Sun and Moon.

Bone remains of corpses buried in wooden coffins dating back to the Byzantine age, two lamps made of clay, and a bust depicting head of a Palmyran young man dating back to the same period also were discovered.

The American team working in Tel al-Qarqour discovered an archeological temple that dates back to the third century B.C.

They also discovered two censers used in the religious rituals at that time in addition to a dagger, mud scales and clay fractions.

In Banias, a coastal Syrian city, an archeological cemetery was found. The cemetery includes glassworks, bronze pieces and golden discards.

In Beit al-Wadi cave, Tartous governorate, stones and archeological findings which date back to 40,000 years were excavated.

In Busra, south of Syria, the Syrian-French archeological mission working there discovered ruins, stone and clay canals, stone arches and high walls.

The mission also discovered water strainers inside the valleys to transport clear water to the main canal.

In Idleb, Ebla Kingdom ( Tal Mardikh ) site was excavated in 1964 by the University of Rome mission headed by Professor Paolo Mattie.

Ebla was resurrected during the Paleo-Syrian era in approximately the year 2000 B.C., and one century later became a major political and commercial center again. The town experienced an extraordinary period of artistic creativity up until its final destruction by the Anatolian Hittite kings in around 1600 B.C.

In 1968, the discovery of a bust bearing the seal of Ibbit Lim, a prince of Ebla, on its shoulder was the first evidence permitting the identification to Tal Mardikh with Ebla. This identification was confirmed by the 1975 discovery of 17,000 tablets.

These tablets and other fragments from the archives of the Ebla Royal Palace (dating back to 2500 B.C) not only revealed the existence of a hitherto unknown ancient Semitic language, but above all unveiled several centuries of third millennium history about which very little was known. Ebla was the center of the Proto-Syrian culture which emerged in the third millennium in the inland of Syria.

The excavations have not only confirmed the grandeur and the importance of Ebla, but have also enabled specialists to trace the history of this culture back to its early phase and the beginnings of urbanizationÉ up to its apogee in around the year 2300 B.C. and its destruction by the Akadian kings. The excavations have revealed substantial defenses at Ebla, dating back to the Middle Bronze Age (2nd millennium BC, and also previously in the Early Bronze Age (3rd Millennium BC). Architecturally, the use of upright stones in the gateway anticipates their prolific use in buildings at many Syrian sites during the subsequent Late Bronze and Iron Ages, illustrating a continuity of building tradition.

Previous Stories:
  Syrian chanter of Sufi songs tours the US   (10/26/2004)
  Syria, Agha Khan network for health co-operation   (10/21/2004)
  Mrs. Asma al-Assad receives Honorary Doctorate in Archeology for the development of historical and archeological studies in Syria   (10/21/2004)

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