New archaeological discoveries in Amrit and Safita

Tartus, (ST) – Last Year, the Department Archeology in Tartous carried out a group of archaeological excavations at the Amrit, Safita and Al-Marqab sites, which resulted in the discovery of a group of important archaeological finds.

The head of the Department of Tartous Archeology, Eng. Marwan Hassan explained that some pottery fractures were found at the Amrit site, as well as an individual grave carved out of fossilized sand. A human skeleton was also found in addition other discoveries were made like a lamp and pipe made of clay trays were also found.

In Safita Tower, Hassan said that the tower has two floors; the ground floor contains the chapel of St. Michael, which has survived from the Crusader era. The second floor, which can be reached by a flight of partially destroyed stairs, contains many small windows that were used by archers to defend the tower. The ceiling of the tower is supported by many robust columns.

As for excavation work at al-Marqab Castle, which is carried out by the Syrian-Hungarian joint mission, it  included drawings, fractures pottery and archaeological finds resulting from the works using the latest modern devices and technologies.

The director of the department explained that, based on the importance of scientific research in the field of knowledge of the historical stages of the Syrian coasts, a joint Syrian-Russian mission was formed to search for archaeological remains and underwater sites in the waters of the city of Tartus and Arwad Island, which began its work during this year.

He pointed out that the mission conducted full search according to specific segments in the vicinity of Arwad Island and opposite Amrit Beach, using advanced surveying devices. Some points were identified according to the data, which need to be studied and audited in the next stage during the year 2020.

Raghda Sawas