1 of 2 Archaeologist unearths human skeleton in the Roman Empire cemetery in the Gaza Strip Photo: Mahmud Hams/AFP Archaeologist excavates human skeleton in the Roman Empire cemetery in the Gaza Strip Photo: Mahmud Hams/AFP
Four 2,000yearold Roman tombs have been discovered in the north of the Gaza Strip, an archaeologist confirmed to AFP on Saturday (23), allowing the reconstruction of the first complete Roman cemetery in this Palestinian territory.
“The discovery of these four brings the total number of graves in this Roman cemetery which dates back to the 1st century B.C. and the 2nd century AD now to 134,” said Fadel AlOtol.
According to this Palestinian archaeologist, it is the “first complete Roman necropolis” discovered in Gaza.
Ceramic fragments and pieces of metal used in burial rituals were also found.
The cemetery houses graves with a pyramid structure. Inside, the team of technicians, in collaboration with the archaeologist, carries out restorations using rudimentary tools.
“Two lead coffins were recently discovered at the site, one decorated with grapes and the other with swimming dolphins,” says Fadel.
Excavations and restoration are funded by the British Council’s Culture Protection Fund.
The Gaza Strip borders Israel and Egypt. It is controlled by the Palestinian Islamic movement Hamas and has been subject to an Israeli blockade for more than 15 years.
2 of 2 Archaeologist unearths human skeleton in the Roman Empire cemetery in the Gaza Strip Photo: Mahmud Hams/AFP Archaeologist excavates human skeleton in the Roman Empire cemetery in the Gaza Strip Photo: Mahmud Hams/AFP