Mattie highlights Syria's unmatched archeological richness

Italian researcher and Head of Rome's Archeology Department, Paolo Mattie, said Syria has become today the most prominent site in terms of richness of archeological findings and antiquities in the Middle East.

Mattie, who takes part in the International Conference "Hama and the Orontes: History and Civilization" in the central Syrian city of Hama, told SANA that in the past archeologists used to concentrate on Iraq region and Egypt but antiquities and findings unearthed in Syria showed the country witnessed ancient civilizations throughout historical epochs.

The Italian researches, who has been leading the Italian Archeological Team in the Syrian Tel Merdich ( Ibla ) for 40 years, emphasized that latest and future invaluable findings in Syria would take the country to a very distinguished status in the human civilization and world heritage.

Mattie hailed the work of the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums, Ministry of Tourism and other related government organs for the great care and interest in the reservation and restoration of the country's archeological sites.