Ancient Roman-Era Tombs with Spectacular Murals Open to the Public in Israel

Two meticulously restored tombs dating back to the Roman Empire, adorned with stunning murals depicting deities and mythical creatures, have been unveiled for public exploration.

After a meticulous restoration process, two ancient Roman-era tombs, hidden away for nearly a century, have been opened to the public, offering a captivating glimpse into the artistic heritage of the time.

Discovered in the 1930s by British archaeologists, these tombs, estimated to be around 2,000 years old, contain intricate murals that have astonished experts and visitors alike. To ensure their preservation, the tombs have been undergoing an extensive renovation, and the Israel Antiquities Authority has now announced their readiness for public access.

Ancient Roman-Era Tombs with Spectacular Murals Open to the Public in Israel

Located in Ashkelon, Israel, situated near the Gaza Strip, these tombs were likely burial sites for wealthy Roman citizens who resided in the city approximately 1,800 years ago. The site, which is set to become an educational park, is within a stone's throw of the beach and offers an intriguing glimpse into Ashkelon's rich history.

Anat Rasiuk, an archaeologist with the Antiquities Authority, expressed amazement at the preservation of the paintings, considering their proximity to the sea's corrosive elements. Depicted on the walls are intricate scenes of vines, Roman deities, mythological creatures, and birds fluttering among the grapes.

Ancient Roman-Era Tombs with Spectacular Murals Open to the Public in Israel

The murals showcase the adoption of Greek mythology by the Romans, with figures such as the Medusa and Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, gracing the walls. Some of these lime-based plaster paintings were removed and restored off-site, while others were meticulously cleaned and retouched on-site.

The new educational park will feature a diverse collection of archaeological discoveries from the Roman era, including wine and olive presses, and ancient sarcophaguses. Another tomb, discovered in the 1990s and decorated with similar murals, has been relocated to the park site.

Ancient Roman-Era Tombs with Spectacular Murals Open to the Public in Israel

Ashkelon's history extends beyond the Roman era, with its roots in the Philistine civilization. Cemeteries found in the city date back to the early Iron Age, approximately 3,000 years ago. Rockets fired during the conflict with Hamas reached Ashkelon, and debris from the U.S.-built pier washed ashore after a storm in early May.

The Israel Antiquities Authority has meticulously restored these ancient tombs, preserving a vital piece of Israel's cultural heritage for future generations. The opening of these tombs to the public offers a unique opportunity to explore the artistic and cultural legacy of the Roman Empire firsthand.

Ancient Roman-Era Tombs with Spectacular Murals Open to the Public in Israel