New Ugarit

Ras Ibn Hani, where the new Ugarit was located north of the city of Lattakia. Initially, the site was chosen to build the Meridian International Hotel, but when construction works started, a bulldozer struck a solid stone wall which proved to be a pure historical site. The works ceased and the hotel site was removed to its present location on the southern sand beach. Rapidly, the Directorate of Archaeology & Museums has tended to expropriate the site and start excavations. Archaeologist researcher Gabriel Sa’adeh back to the 14th  century referred to the site in his book “History of Lattakia” . In 1975 a joint Syrian – French mission was formed, starting excavations uninterruptedly until this date. Findings proved that Ras Ibn Hani had witnessed the rise of several civilizations starting from the Ugaritic period until the 6th century AD.

Names of the city:

During its history Ras Ibn Hani had several names, first “Affo”: This name was frequently mentioned in Ugaritic texts meaning the nose. Secondly, Ugarit of the Sea: This name was mentioned in one of the clay boards discovered in the site. A third name was  “Biruti” , which means City of Wells, since the site was full of wells drilled in the rocks, till today each year we discover a well or two. At least, The height was known as “Ibn Hani” after a clergy name, buried north east of the site.

Importance of the site:

The site discoveries referred to as New Ugarit, are of utmost importance since they complement evidence about a civilization two thousand years old. It has also revealed important information about Oriental history in general and Syrian one in particular through different history epochs.

H. Mafalani