Al-Baath: Asmaa al-Assad receives Paystum prize

Syria's First Lady Asmaa al-Assad received on Monday Paystum Prize for Archeology in appreciation of Her efforts in the field of archeology, particularly her support to the works of research and excavation at Ebla site in which the Italian Expedition has been working since 1964, al-Baath daily said Monday.

The daily added that the prize is an artistic work called "Sepulcher of the Diver." It was made of a very precious pieces of ceramic and signed by the famous Artist Jaen Kapitti.

Al-Baath pointed out that the "Sepulcher of the Diver" is a painting that was stored in the National Museum of Archeology in Paystum. The painting has invaluable historical and artistic value since it is the only original Greek mural which was painted on the cover of the Sepulcher. It represents a man diving in the water as a symbol for passing from life to death. It dates back to 470 to 480 B.C.

The paper indicated that Mrs. Assad is due to open "Qatana Kingdom. Talks about Glory" exhibition. The exhibition will focus on the economic and commercial role of this kingdom through a number of murals.

The Mediterranean Exhibition for Archeological Tourism 2005, the organizing side of the prize, is organized in the archeological city of Paystum which was discovered in 650 B.C. in Salerno in Italy.

This annual exhibition hosted Syria as an honorary guest in 2003.