4,500-Year-Old Anat Statue
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4,500-Year-Old Anat Statue Unearthed in Gaza: Traces of an Ancient Goddess

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In 2022, a farmer plowing his field in the Khan Younis area of the Gaza Strip discovered a limestone statue head approximately 22 cm tall. After cleaning, experts noted that this piece dates back about 4,500 years to the Late Bronze Age. This artifact was identified as a rare depiction of Anat, the goddess of war, love, and fertility, an important figure in the Canaanite civilization.

The most striking feature of the statue head is the snake-shaped crown on its forehead. Archaeologists believe this symbol represents the goddess’s dual powers of protection and destruction. Anat is known in Mesopotamian and Levantine mythology as a warrior and fertility goddess, widely worshipped especially in the Canaan region.

4,500-Year-Old Anat Statue

Jamal Abu Rida, Director of the Gaza Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, stated, “Anat was the embodiment of love, beauty, and the benevolence of war in Canaanite mythology.“

Ancient texts describe Anat as a powerful and multifaceted goddess. Often mentioned alongside her brother Baal, she holds a significant place in the region’s mythological framework with her roles as both protector and fertility deity. Anat’s dual nature reflects the cycles of nature and the belief systems of ancient societies.

4,500-Year-Old Anat Statue

This discovery sheds light on the region’s rich cultural heritage and provides important clues about the mythological interactions between Anatolia and the Levant civilizations. The statue is currently preserved and displayed at the Qasr al-Basha Museum.

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A remarkable archaeological discovery has been made in Northern Cyprus! A rock-cut tomb dating back to the Hellenistic Period was uncovered following a collapse reported near the main route of Famagusta Port. The find is expected to shed new light on the region’s ancient history. Collapse Leads to Historical Discovery On June 21, 2025, around 6:00 PM, authorities received a report of a sudden ground collapse at a key area within Famagusta Port. Experts from the Department of Antiquities and Museums, operating under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment, were immediately dispatched to the scene. Initial examinations revealed that the collapse had exposed a previously unknown ancient tomb carved into the bedrock. Site Secured, Excavation Initiated In coordination with the Famagusta Police Department and Port Security, strict protective measures were swiftly implemented. The site was placed under 24-hour surveillance to ensure its safety. Full-scale excavation work began on the morning of June 23, 2025. Archaeologists uncovered a rock-cut burial chamber with three klinai (funeral couches), its entrance sealed with large stone blocks — a characteristic feature of Hellenistic tombs. Significant Artifacts and Human Remains Found The excavation yielded a rich collection of historical artifacts, including terracotta bowls, oil lamps, lagynoi (ancient pottery), glass and ceramic unguentaria, bronze coins and pins, as well as delicate gold leaf fragments. Human skeletal remains were also found inside the tomb. Preservation and Museum Display to Follow All archaeological materials are now undergoing cleaning, cataloging, and scientific analysis. After conservation efforts are completed, the artifacts will be prepared for public display in a local museum. Security will remain in place throughout the excavation process, supervised by Famagusta Port Police.

Ancient Rock-Cut Tomb from the Hellenistic Period Unearthed at Famagusta Port

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