Excavations in historical Ibla kingdom in Syria

Italian archeologist Paulo Mattie said "important archeological findings in the historical site of Ibla where excavated recently including statues, paintings and the Royal court."

In an article published Tuesday by Il-Messaggero Italian newspaper, Mattie pointed out that the Italian mission in Ibla unearthed the royal court of the city where 20 kilos of the royal azure coming from Afghanistan mounts were excavated, in addition to small statues made of azure and wood covered with gold, as well as unique statues of animals used for garnishing at the royal palace.

He also underlined that the exchequer, which had been used for storing gold and silver, was also discovered in addition to muddy tablets and documents, pointing out that the geometric figures and paintings discovered confirm the deeply-rooted Syrian art that dates back to 2,300 B.C.

Mattie added that the ruins found showed the city before being destroyed by Acadian Sargon, noting that the mission also excavated ruins of a temple which was destroyed 1600 B.C. and which might be the oldest in Syria.

The newspaper also talked about the excavations in Ibla and Tal Mardiakh, south of the northern city of Aleppo, in a long report provided with photos on the city, asserting that this city witnessed three different ages before Christ.