ASHKELON, Israel — The Israel Antiquities Authority announced Tuesday that two nearly 2,000-year-old tombs, renowned for their stunning wall paintings, will be accessible to the public for the first time. This development follows an extensive conservation effort.
Discovered by British archaeologists in the 1930s, these sand-filled tombs feature vibrant murals illustrating grapevines entwined with birds, animals, and mythological figures. Despite their discovery, the site remained closed for nearly a century to preserve the artwork.
With new apartment developments surrounding the area, city officials have chosen to transform the site into an educational park. Renovations have made it possible for public access to the tombs.
Anat Rasiuk, an archaeologist with the Antiquities Authority, noted, “The tombs contain exceptionally well-preserved paintings, an impressive feat given their age and the challenging environmental conditions, including humidity and winds from the nearby sea.”
Archaeologists believe these tombs served as burial sites for Roman aristocrats around 1,700 years ago, during Ashkelon’s time as a Roman city.
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