A Palestinian excavation team works at a newly discovered Roman-era cemetery in the Gaza Strip on Sunday. Authorities in Gaza announced the discovery of more than 60 graves in the ancient burial site.
Fatima Shbair/AP
hide captions
switch captions
Fatima Shbair/AP
A Palestinian excavation team works at a newly discovered Roman-era cemetery in the Gaza Strip on Sunday. Authorities in Gaza announced the discovery of more than 60 graves in the ancient burial site.
Fatima Shbair/AP
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – The Hamas government in Gaza announced on Sunday the discovery of more than 60 graves in an ancient burial site dating back to Roman times.
Teams of workers have been excavating the site since it was discovered last January during preparations for an Egyptian-funded housing project.
Hiyam al-Bitar, a researcher from the Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism run by Hamas, said a total of 63 tombs have been identified and a skeleton and artefacts from one tomb date back to the 20th century. Monday.
She said the ministry is working with a group of French experts to learn more about the site. On Sunday, workers sifted the soil and removed the piles with wheelbarrows.
A member of the Palestinian excavation team works at a newly discovered Roman-era cemetery in the Gaza Strip on Sunday.
Fatima Shbair/AP
hide captions
switch captions
Fatima Shbair/AP
A member of the Palestinian excavation team works at a newly discovered Roman-era cemetery in the Gaza Strip on Sunday.
Fatima Shbair/AP
Although the ancient cemetery is now cordoned off, construction on the housing project continues and the area is surrounded by apartment buildings. Local media reported looting when the site was first discovered, with people using donkey carts to transport items such as coffins with lids and inscribed bricks.
Gaza, a coastal enclave home to more than 2 million people, is known for its rich history that dates back to its location on the ancient trade routes between Egypt and the Levant. But the Israeli occupation, blockade, conflict and rapid urban growth in the crowded, narrow territory are some of the reasons most of Gaza’s archaeological treasures are left unprotected.
