In southern Israel, two ancient tombs dating back almost 2,000 years will be accessible to the public for the first time following an extensive preservation process, as declared by the Israel Antiquities Authority. Unearthed by British archaeologists in the 1930s, the tombs were filled with sand and adorned with remarkable wall paintings portraying vivid images of grape vines intertwined with various animals, birds, and mythological figures. Despite being closed off for nearly a century to safeguard the paintings, the site is now being transformed into an educational park by the city of Ashkelon amidst the development of new apartment complexes in the vicinity.
According to Anat Rasiuk, an archaeologist with the Antiquities Authority, the impeccably preserved paintings within the tombs are a marvel considering the challenges posed by the passage of time and the environmental factors such as humidity, sand, and winds near the sea. These burial chambers, just a short distance from the beach, are presumed to have served as the final resting place for affluent Romans about 1,700 years ago during the era when Ashkelon thrived as a Roman settlement. The intricate and colorful paintings adorning the vaulted ceilings and walls depict a range of motifs including nymphs with lotus wreaths, various creatures, children harvesting grapes, and mythological beings from both Greek and Roman lore.
Through a meticulous conservation process, portions of the ancient plaster paintings were carefully removed from the walls for restoration off-site while others were cleaned and touched up with pigments resembling the original hues. Additionally, a similar tomb from the 2nd century, also featuring vibrant wall paintings, was relocated to join the new park from a different site in Ashkelon to ensure its preservation. Both tombs will welcome visitors during the upcoming Sukkot holiday in October amid a setting that incorporates several archaeological findings across the city, such as ancient sarcophagi, wine presses, and olive presses, juxtaposed against towering modern apartment blocks.
Situated approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the Gaza Strip, Ashkelon boasts a rich archaeological heritage tracing back to various periods, including the early presence of Philistines during the Iron Age around 3,000 years ago. The discovery of ancient cemeteries in Ashkelon has yielded crucial genetic clues suggesting that Philistines might have migrated from Europe to this region over 4,000 years ago, resolving a longstanding historical puzzle that has intrigued archaeologists for generations. Despite its historical significance and archaeological treasures, the city of Ashkelon faced adversity earlier in the year during the conflict in Gaza, with reports of vessels linked to the failed U.S.-built pier in Gaza washing ashore on the coast of Ashkelon during severe weather conditions in May.
