Al-Melh archaeological Monastery in Sweida countryside embodies the region’s civilization

Sweida, (ST) – The archaeological writings and inscriptions found in the Melh ancient Monastery in the southeastern countryside of Al-Sweida, depict the region’s civilization through various ancient historical eras.

In the fourth century AD, the Arabs (Ghassanids) built a number of churches and monasteries in Al-Melh Monastery, including the great monastery in the same town and the Christian Monastery next to it on the eastern side from the Al-Badiah side.

The former head of the Sweida Antiquities Department, researcher Hassan Hatoum, indicated to SANA that the monastery of Al-Melh is an archaeological landmark of a deep-rooted civilization.

“Its features are still manifest until the present time, as a small basalt stone engraved with a Christian Greek inscription, which means (Christ Triumphs), was found in an adjacent courtyard and there is also an unidentified building dating back to 539 AD,” Hatoum added.

Hatoum pointed out that writings and inscriptions dating back to the Byzantine era were found next to the monastery. He noted that a large and high tower was built in the monastery dating back to the year 372 AD, which was used in addition to religious purposes for defensive purposes in order to protect the eastern borders of the Byzantine Empire from attacks.

The researcher indicated that the tower of the Melh archaeological monastery formed, along with a series of other towers in the neighboring sites, a monitoring and guarding center and served as a customs center for the convoys loaded with salt coming from eastern Jordan.

It is believed, according to Hatoum, that most of the Christian Greek writings that were found in the town of Melh, as well as the inscriptions of the crosses, belong to the monastery buildings and the town’s church built in the fourth century AD. It was one of the twentieth bishoprics of Bosra during the time of the Patriarch (Anostasius), Patriarch of Antioch.

Other archaeological discoveries in the region include Greek writings dating back to the Byzantine era, which included Christian symbols such as fish, crosses, names of saints, devotees, and religious prayers, in addition to writings inside an old house that was used as a mosque. Two stones were found there with inscriptions on them dating back to 425 AD and 606 AD.

It is noteworthy that Melh, which rises about 1375 meters above sea level, is located 15 km east of the city of Salkhad. It was called (Melh Al Sarar) due to the squeak that the stone gates of Helles sounded while they were opening and closing. It was known in the past as Amosa, which is a name taken from the salt sebkheh as caravans of Salt used to pass through it.

It is also famous for its distinguished geographical location and moderate climate in the summer. It is rich with archaeological treasures, which made it a destination for many visitors  and researchers.

Amal Farhat