Comment on this storyComment
Archaeologists have unearthed at least 125 graves in Gaza, many with skeletons inside, and two lead sarcophagi at a 2,000-year-old Roman cemetery accidentally discovered there last year.
The narrow strip of coastline has a rich history as a trading center dating back to the Egyptian Crusades, but conflict and impoverishment in Palestinian territory under the Israeli blockade, home to about 2 million people, have hampered efforts to locate and protect archaeological treasures.
Palestinian workers, with the help of French organizations, have been digging at the ancient tomb in Gaza since it was discovered last year by construction crews preparing for an Egyptian-funded housing project.
At least 125 tombs have been found at the site, which stretches over 43,000 square feet (4,000 square meters), according to Jamal Abdu Raida, director-general of antiquities at the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Raida, who described the discoveries as “unprecedented”, said last week that the necropolis is believed to contain the remains of high-ranking Roman officials.
An expert from the French school of biblical and archaeological research, Fadel Al-A’utul, told Portal one of the sarcophagi was decorated with images of grapes and the other with dolphins. The team cleans the skeletons and tries to piece together pieces of clay jars they also found.
“It is the first time that we have discovered a cemetery with 125 graves in Palestine and it is the first time that we have discovered two lead sarcophagi in Gaza,” he said in an interview published on Monday.
“We need funds to preserve this archeological site so that history doesn’t perish,” he added. He said protecting the site would help “prove to the whole world the existence of Palestinian culture and heritage.”
Work on the archaeological site is expected to last several months and “is already showing promise,” according to the French School of Biblical and Archaeological Research.
Authorities in the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by the militant group Hamas, said in recent days that the discovery of a rare lead-moulded sarcophagus is the second of its kind during the excavation and that the ministry will investigate the latest find.
Premiere Urgence, a French charity overseeing work at the site, said earlier that the first sarcophagus remained sealed “in an exceptional state of preservation” and will provide insight into burial methods and burial rituals in Roman times.
Give this item as a gift