Construction Worker Finds 1500-Year-Old Byzantine-Era Tomb in Syria During Renovation

An ancient tomb complex has recently appeared out of obscurity in a sensitive area of Syria. The discovery was made by a construction worker in Maarat al-Numan in Idlib, according to Indy100. Maarat al-Numan has recently witnessed residents returning to their broken homes after years of occupation have ended. It was during one of the rebuilding projects that the tomb complex was uncovered by a construction worker. 

Authorities informed experts regarding the discovery, who, based on the cross present in the structure, deemed it to be a creation dating back to the Byzantine Empire. Further examinations revealed the complex was around 1,500 years old. The complex reportedly contains twelve stone tombs. Moreover, it was found underneath an abandoned house, which had been destroyed years earlier, according to Fox News. Inside the complex, experts found multiple bones and fragments. Hassan al-Ismail, director of antiquities in Idlib, further claimed that pottery and glass pieces dating back to the Byzantine period from the 4th century CE were detected in the complex. 

Experts are hopeful that discoveries like these will help in understanding and learning more about Byzantine-era Syria. Locals are excited that such findings could increase tourism in the area. A local named Abed emphasized the need to restore the antiquities found in the complex to attract more visitors. He believes that with proper care, Maarat al-Numan could regain its past glory when foreign tourists used to come in hordes to see the ruins. 

Researchers claimed that the complex was inside one of the pits close to the abandoned building, according to The Independent. The pit led to two burial chambers, each of which contained six stone tombs. The cross sign was reportedly etched above one of the stone columns. Hassan al-Ismail claimed that the discovery adds to the ever-growing list of archaeological finds in the area. Idlib supposedly contains 800 archaeological sites along with an ancient city. Al-Ismail believes that one-third of Syria's monuments are present in this province. 

The cross was associated with the Byzantine Empire because the dynasty's official religion was Christianity. The Empire was established in the 4th century AD and was a continuation of the Roman Empire. Byzantine Empire authorities established several settlements in northwest Syria, which were later abandoned. These settlements have been named Dead Cities and contain structures such as colonnaded streets, stone houses, basilicas, and tombs.

In the past, site owners deliberately hid such spots from officials wherever they found such things. Ghiath Sheikh Diab, a resident of Maarat al-Numan, claimed that the owners did this out of fear that authorities from the Assad regime would seize their property to preserve these establishments. Diab urges the new government to fairly compensate people who own the area where the stone complex has been found, as well as in other similar cases. Years of war damage and looting have significantly damaged the area and forever changed the lives of its inhabitants. Locals like Abed are optimistic that such discoveries, along with providing a glimpse of the past, will also allow civilians an opportunity to move towards a prosperous future by revitalizing the economy.