A contractor recently stumbled across an ancient Christian tomb complex while clearing rubble in Syria’s Idlib province. The discovery was made in the city of Maarat al-Numan in May and revealed the presence of crosses, ancient graves, and various bones and fragments. The site was found beneath an abandoned house that had been destroyed years earlier, highlighting the tragic circumstances of its uncovering during the Syrian civil war.
Hassan al-Ismail, director of antiquities in Idlib, stated that the province is one of the most historic in Syria, containing 800 archaeological sites alongside an ancient city. He noted that the tomb dates back to the Byzantine era, as evidenced by the presence of a cross and ancient pottery and glass items. The site’s discovery adds to the growing body of historical knowledge about the Byzantine Empire, which emerged as a successor to the Roman Empire in the 4th century AD and established its capital in Constantinople.
Although the tombs were uncovered under tragic conditions due to the destruction of houses during the 14-year conflict, the find offers valuable insights into ancient cultures. Officials like Ghiath Sheikh Diab, a resident of Maarat al-Numan, have expressed hope that the current government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, will fairly compensate property owners of the site. Locals such as Abed and Jaafar have also emphasized the need to protect and restore the antiquities to revive tourism and economic activity in the area, which is just 50 miles south of Aleppo.
Further archaeological discoveries, including a 1,600-year-old Byzantine-era mosaic from a Christian monastery recently unveiled in Israel and a mysterious 1,500-year-old bucket found in England, indicate that the region continues to yield significant historical artifacts. The association with the Byzantine Empire underscores the rich cultural heritage of the Middle East and Europe, with ongoing efforts to preserve and understand these ancient relics in the face of modern conflicts and challenges.