ASHKELON, Israel. After nearly a century of being hidden from public view, two ancient tombs adorned with stunning wall paintings have been opened to the public in southern Israel. The Israel Antiquities Authority announced on Tuesday that the tombs, dating back nearly 2,000 years, are now accessible following an extensive conservation process.
Originally discovered by British archaeologists in the 1930s, the tombs were found filled with sand and boasting vibrant wall paintings depicting grape vines intertwined with birds, animals, and mythological figures. These striking images, which had remained unseen by the public for decades to protect them, are now part of a new educational park established in the city of Ashkelon, where the tombs have undergone careful renovation.
“This tomb has wonderful paintings that were preserved remarkably well, and that’s surprising considering the time that has passed and the location next to the sea, the humidity, the sand, the winds—everything affects the plaster and the paintings,” said Anat Rasiuk, an archaeologist with the Antiquities Authority.
The tombs, located just a few hundred meters from the beach, are believed to have served as the burial site for aristocratic Romans about 1,700 years ago, during the period when Ashkelon was a Roman city. The intricate designs on the walls and vaulted ceilings feature depictions of nymphs with lotus wreaths, children harvesting grapes, figures playing Pan’s flute, and Greek mythological characters like Demeter and Medusa, whose stories were also embraced by Roman mythology.
During the conservation work, some plaster paintings were removed for off-site restoration, while others were cleaned and enhanced with pigments matching the original ancient colors. Another tomb from the 2nd century, also with colorful wall paintings, was relocated to the park to ensure its preservation. This tomb, discovered in the 1990s, will also be accessible to the public during the upcoming Sukkot holiday in October.
The new park, surrounded by modern apartment buildings, features several other archaeological artifacts from the city, including ancient sarcophaguses, wine presses, and olive presses.
Ashkelon, situated about 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the Gaza Strip, is rich in archaeological history. In addition to its Roman heritage, the city was home to the Philistines during the early Iron Age, around 3,000 years ago. Excavations in Ashkelon have provided significant DNA evidence that suggests the Philistines may have migrated from Europe more than 4,000 years ago, solving a longstanding archaeological mystery.
In recent history, Ashkelon has faced challenges, including rocket fire from conflicts in Gaza. In May, vessels involved in constructing a U.S.-built pier in Gaza, which was ultimately unsuccessful, washed ashore in Ashkelon during severe weather.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
