Ancient Byzantine-Era Tomb Discovered During Reconstruction in Syria

Idlib: A Syrian contractor has uncovered a 1,500-year-old Byzantine-era tomb while clearing the rubble of a collapsed house during reconstruction efforts in the town of Maarrat al-Numan in Syria’s Idlib province.

According to reports, the discovery was made during the reconstruction of residential areas that had been damaged in years of conflict. After the tomb was found, residents immediately informed the authorities. A team of archaeologists was later dispatched to the site to secure the area and conduct a detailed examination.

The uncovered tomb structure includes a deep underground passage leading to two chambers, each containing six burial niches. Photos from the site also show a pillar with a carved cross, indicating the religious significance of the site.

Hassan Al-Ismail, Director of Antiquities in Idlib, stated that the cross, pottery, and glass fragments found at the site confirm that the tomb dates back to the Byzantine era. He noted that the discovery offers a valuable opportunity for further archaeological study into the region’s rich history.