A 4,500-year-old stone statue of the goddess Anat is found in Gaza (Photo: Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)
The Hamas organization in Gaza announced yesterday (Sunday) the discovery of over 60 graves, located in an ancient burial site from the Roman period.
The NPR website reports that work crews have been excavating the site since it was discovered last January, during preparations for an Egyptian-funded housing project.
Hayam al-Bitar, a researcher from the Hamas-run Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism, said a total of 63 graves had been identified.
He also added that bones and various items dating back to the second century AD were found in one of the graves.
According to him, the ministry is working together with a team of experts from France in order to thoroughly examine the site, from which large amounts of dirt were removed using wheelbarrows.
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A farmer in Gaza found a 4,500-year-old statue of a Canaanite goddess
In one of the graves there are bones and various items dating to the second century AD.
The graves in Gaza (Photo: screenshot, AP)
Robbing antiques using donkeys
Although the ancient cemetery is closed to the general public, construction on the housing project continued and the site is surrounded by apartment buildings.
Local media reported looting when the site was first discovered.
It was reported that there were those who used carts drawn by donkeys to drag objects from the site, including a coffin and bricks with an inscription engraved on them.
The Gaza Strip, where more than two million people live, is known for its rich history, thanks to its unique location on ancient trade routes between Egypt and the Levant.
However, due to the geopolitical situation, many of its treasures have not yet received proper protection.
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