ASHKELON, Israel — The Israel Antiquities Authority has announced that two nearly 2,000-year-old tombs with stunning wall paintings will be accessible to the public for the first time in southern Israel. Discovered by British archaeologists in the 1930s, the tombs feature colorful paintings depicting grape vines, birds, animals, and mythological characters.
After being closed to the public for almost a century to protect the paintings, the site has undergone a meticulous conservation process. The city of Ashkelon, where the tombs are located, decided to transform the area into an educational park and renovate the tombs for public visits.
Archaeologist Anat Rasiuk highlighted the remarkable preservation of the paintings despite the passage of time and the site's proximity to the sea, humidity, sand, and winds. The tombs, believed to be the burial place of aristocratic Romans around 1,700 years ago when Ashkelon was a Roman city, showcase vibrant paintings across the vaulted ceiling and walls.
The intricate designs include nymphs with lotus plant wreaths, birds, deer, children gathering grapes, and figures from Greek and Roman mythology such as Demeter and Medusa. During the conservation process, some plaster paintings were removed for off-site restoration, while others were cleaned or enhanced with pigments resembling the ancient paint.
Another similar 2nd-century tomb with colorful wall paintings was relocated to the new park from a different location in Ashkelon to ensure its preservation. The park, set to open during the upcoming Sukkot holiday in October, features various archaeological finds from the city, including ancient sarcophagi, wine presses, and olive presses.
Ashkelon, situated near the Gaza Strip, boasts a rich archaeological history, having been home to Philistines during the early Iron Age. Recent discoveries in ancient cemeteries in Ashkelon have provided DNA evidence suggesting that Philistines may have migrated to the region from Europe over 4,000 years ago.
Despite experiencing rocket attacks during the early days of the conflict in Gaza, Ashkelon continues to unveil its historical treasures. The city's commitment to preserving its archaeological heritage, including the newly accessible tombs with magnificent wall paintings, offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of this ancient region.
