Contractor in Syria uncovers ancient tomb complex beneath the rubble

Contractor in Syria uncovers ancient tomb complex beneath the rubble
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In northern Syria’s Maarat al-Numan, a contractor uncovered an ancient Byzantine tomb complex dating back over 1,500 years while clearing rubble from a war-damaged house, Arab News reported. The site, located in Idlib province—a region heavily affected by the Syrian civil war—features two burial chambers with stone tombs marked by crosses, pottery, and glass artifacts confirming its Byzantine origin.

Residents, returning to rebuild after years of conflict and destruction, alerted authorities who secured the site. Idlib holds a significant portion of Syria’s archaeological heritage, with hundreds of ancient sites including the famous Dead Cities from the Byzantine era.

The war caused extensive damage to these historical sites through bombing, looting, and unauthorized excavations. Locals hope the new government will compensate property owners fairly and support displaced residents. Many see the preservation and restoration of such ruins as a path toward reviving tourism and the local economy, recalling a time when foreign visitors frequently came to explore the area’s rich history.