In a groundbreaking discovery, Palestinian workers in the Gaza Strip have uncovered a vast ancient cemetery dating back approximately 2,000 years to the Roman Empire era. The site, described by archaeologists as the largest cemetery ever found in Gaza, has yielded significant insights into the region’s rich history.
The cemetery was initially stumbled upon in 2022 during the construction of a housing project funded by Egypt, located near Jabaliya in the northern Gaza Strip. Since its accidental discovery, a dedicated team of workers, with the support of French experts, has been meticulously excavating the 2,700-square-meter site.
What was once an inconspicuous construction lot, surrounded by unassuming apartment blocks, has become a treasure trove of historical artifacts and knowledge. Gaza, with its strategic location on ancient trade routes connecting Egypt and the Levant, has long been a region of historical significance. However, its archaeological heritage has been endangered by factors such as Israeli occupation, 16 years of Hamas control, and rapid urban development.
Initially, the site yielded the discovery of 60 graves in January, which was already seen as a major breakthrough by archaeologists. However, that number has now grown to a staggering 135 graves. Rene Elter, a French archaeologist leading the excavation, noted that more than 100 of these graves have been studied, providing valuable insights into the culture, health, and pathologies of the ancient population.
One of the most exceptional finds at the site is the discovery of two sarcophagi made of lead. One of them is adorned with intricate grape leaves, while the other features images of dolphins. These lead sarcophagi are unprecedented in Gaza’s history, leading experts to speculate that they may have been used to bury social elites from the Roman-era city that once thrived in the region.
Fadel Al Otul, a Palestinian archaeologist, suggested that the presence of these lead tombs near the city supports the Roman practice of placing cemeteries near urban centers.
In addition to the sarcophagi, Elter’s team is painstakingly restoring and examining unearthed skeletons and piecing together fragments of clay jars. The skeletons will eventually be sent out of Gaza for further analysis before returning to the Hamas-led Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism.
Mr. Elter emphasized the need for a dedicated team to oversee archaeological activities in Gaza, acknowledging the region’s wealth of untapped archaeological potential. “The Gazans deserve to tell their stories,” he remarked, “Gaza boasts a plethora of potential archaeological sites, but monitoring each one, given the rapid pace of development, is no small feat.”
The discovery of this ancient cemetery is not only a testament to Gaza’s historical significance but also a reminder of the importance of preserving its rich archaeological heritage for future generations to explore and understand.
