A 1,500-year-old Byzantine-era tomb complex has been uncovered in the war-torn Syrian city of Maarat al-Numan during rubble removal operations. The archaeological discovery, dating back to the 6th century, was made as residents began returning to rebuild their devastated hometown.
Located in Syria’s Idlib province, the site consists of two large underground burial chambers, each containing six stone sarcophagi. One of the stone pillars bears a carved cross, strongly indicating Christian burial practices of the Byzantine era. Pottery shards and glass fragments found nearby further confirm the tomb’s historical context.
“The presence of the cross, along with the ceramic and glass pieces, confirms the site dates to the Byzantine period,” said Hassan al-Ismail, director of antiquities in Idlib.
History Emerges from the Ashes of War
Maarat al-Numan sits along the key highway connecting Damascus and Aleppo. Since the outbreak of Syria’s civil war in 2012, the city became a battleground, changing hands multiple times between regime forces and opposition factions. Years of ground fighting, artillery shelling, and airstrikes left the once-bustling city in ruins. After the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, the city was virtually leveled, with its population of 100,000 displaced and buildings reduced to rubble.
Now, as displaced families return and reconstruction efforts begin, remnants of ancient history are being unearthed beneath the debris. Local residents notified authorities after discovering the stone chambers, prompting the provincial Directorate of Antiquities to send archaeologists and security teams to investigate and secure the site.
A Glimmer of Hope for Cultural Revival
Experts say the discovery not only sheds light on the region’s rich historical past but also opens the door to potential cultural tourism and archaeological research. As Syria struggles to rebuild, finds like this offer a sense of identity, continuity, and hope for a future where history and heritage play a role in healing the scars of war.
