Post by UKarchaeology on Apr 4, 2016 18:35:51 GMT
Palestinian workers stand next to archaeological artefacts excavated during the construction of a commercial building in Gaza City, on April 4, 2016. Photo - AFP
Construction workers in Gaza have discovered ancient ruins that archaeologists say may be part of a Byzantine church dating from around 1,500 years ago, the Palestinian tourism and antiquities ministry said on Monday.
The findings include segments of marble pillars with ornate Corinthian capitals, one nearly three metres (yards) long, and a 90 cm (35 inch) foundation stone. Fifteen pieces have been uncovered, with excavations continuing.
"Our first thought is that the site is a cathedral or a church from the Byzantine period," said Jamal Abu Rida, the general director of the antiquities ministry.
"During that era, there was a great interest among the Byzantine rulers to build churches in the Gaza Strip."
Gaza was a prosperous seaport during the Roman period, with a diverse population of Greeks, Romans, Jews, Egyptians and Persians.
Full story: timesofoman.com/article/80851/World/Middle-East/Remnants-from-Byzantine-period-discovered-in-Gaza