Archaeologists uncover city of the dead in Syria

Syrian archaeologists have unraveled a second century necropolis (a large cemetery or burial place) and statues along with several skeletons in the central town Palmyra.

London , November 16 : Syrian archaeologists have unraveled a second century necropolis (a large cemetery or burial place) and statues along with several skeletons in the central town Palmyra.

According to the inscriptions found on a 75 centimetre (30 inches) by 60 centimetre (24 inches) tablet, which was among the artefacts recovered, the cemetery belonged to a pagan family. The tablet also portrays a camel led by a child.

Damascus Museum Director Walid Assaad quoted archaeologist mission leader Kalil Hariri as saying "The first figure, named Mallay, is wearing a military uniform and has a sword in his belt, which he is holding by the hilt. The second, called Yadeh Bel, is wearing traditional Palmyran clothes."

"The people would be traders on the Silk Route," he added.

Palmyra , some 220 kilometres (135 miles) northeast of Damascus, was a stopping point of caravans travelling on the Silk Route.

The researchers also retrieved a bust of a Palmyran man, 60 cms high and 55 cms wide, and bearing the name,' Zubeiba, son of Shamune.'

ANI