Impressive Roman-Era Frescoes Unveiled in Ashkelon
Ashkelon, one of Israel's oldest cities, has just unveiled a remarkable archaeological discovery—two Roman-era vaulted tombs adorned with stunning wall paintings. These artworks, depicting Greek mythological characters, plants, animals, and other vibrant scenes, offer a rare glimpse into the region's history. Found in a public area near Ashkelon's marina, the tombs are over 1,700 years old, and will soon be accessible to the public, showcasing the city's celebration of its ancient heritage.
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Dr. Elena Kogan-Zehavi, Israel Antiquities Authority, who uncovered one of the tombs about 30 years ago, standing in the tombs after the recent restoration work. (IAA)
A Window into the Ancient World
The tombs, first discovered in the 1930s and recently conserved, are set within a newly created public garden surrounded by modern residential towers. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Ashkelon Municipality and the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) to integrate the city's historical treasures into public spaces, providing both residents and visitors with direct access to its ancient past.
One of the tombs, dating back to the early 4th century AD, was originally excavated by a British expedition and features a hall with four burial troughs. The walls of the passageway are decorated with an array of detailed paintings, including depictions of Demeter, the Greek goddess of earth and grain, and other mythological figures such as nymphs with lotus plant wreaths, children harvesting grapes, and even Medusa, the fearsome Gorgon with snakes for hair. These vibrant scenes, painted with exceptional skill, offer a rare example of Roman-era funerary art in Israel.
The mythological Medusa—Gorgon figure in the painted tomb. (IAA)
The second tomb, which dates back to the 2nd century AD, was relocated to the public garden in the 1990s to ensure its preservation. This tomb's central hall is similarly adorned with colorful paintings of human figures, birds, and other natural elements. The tomb also features vaulted loculi, where lead coffins decorated with intricate images were discovered.
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The conservation and restoration work of the Israel Antiquities Authority conservators. (IAA)
A Careful Conservation Effort
The preservation of these ancient artworks has been a complex and delicate process undertaken by experts from the IAA's conservation department, explains the IAA announcement. According to Mark Abrahami, head of the IAA's art conservation branch, the humid climate of Israel poses a significant challenge to the survival of ancient wall paintings. Over the decades, exposure to air and moisture caused fading and deterioration of the tomb paintings.
The conservation team meticulously cleaned and stabilized the structures, enhancing the pigments and repairing the damage. Some paintings were even temporarily removed for treatment in the IAA's laboratories before being returned to their original locations.
The conservation and restoration work of the Israel Antiquities Authority conservators. (IAA)
Celebrating Ashkelon's Rich History
The unveiling of these tombs is part of a larger initiative by the Ashkelon Municipality to develop and enhance the city's historical sites. In recent years, the city has invested heavily in preserving its ancient heritage, transforming neglected areas into vibrant public spaces. For instance, a large public park has been created in the new Wine City neighborhood, featuring an ancient industrial site with winepresses, olive presses, and a bathhouse at its center. Other projects include the conservation of a mosaic next to a playground and the display of beautiful artifacts along Kadesh Boulevard.
Ashkelon Mayor Tomer Glam and Deputy Mayor Mirey Altit have been instrumental in driving this "revolution" in historical site preservation, ensuring that the city's rich past is accessible and celebrated by all. As the public garden opens in time for the upcoming holidays, residents and tourists alike will have the opportunity to explore these extraordinary tombs and connect with the fascinating history of Ashkelon.
Top image: Figure of Greek mythology’s goddess Demeter appearing on the ceiling of one of the Roman era tombs in Ashkelon. Source: IAA
By Gary Manners
