Among the 63 graves discovered, archaeologists have excavated one grave, revealing a skeleton along with many artifacts dating back to the 2nd century.
Workers are manually removing layers of soil and rock. (Source: AP)
The Hamas authorities in the Gaza Strip announced on December 11 that they had discovered over 60 graves in a burial site dating back to ancient Roman times in the Palestinian territories currently controlled by Hamas.
Researcher Hiyam al-Bitar from the antiquities and tourism authority in the Gaza Strip stated that a total of 63 graves have been discovered. Among these, archaeologists have excavated one grave, revealing a skeleton and many artifacts that date back to the 2nd century.
According to Ms. al-Bitar, the Gaza Strip’s antiquities and tourism authority is collaborating with a team of French experts to further investigate this archaeological site. Workers are currently removing layers of soil and rock using manual methods.
The graves were discovered accidentally in January of this year when workers were preparing to construct a housing project funded by Egypt. This ancient burial site is currently surrounded by numerous apartment buildings.
Local media have also reported on the issue of artifact theft at this site, including items such as a coffin with a lid and inscribed bricks.
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Gaza Strip – a coastal area home to over 2 million residents, is renowned for its rich history due to its location along ancient trade routes between Egypt and the Levant region, which includes Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian territories. However, the Israeli occupation and blockade, along with conflicts and rapid urban development in this densely populated area, are reasons why most of Gaza’s archaeological treasures remain unprotected. |
