Two ancient vaulted tombs, estimated to be at least 1,700 years old, featuring extraordinary wall paintings of Greek mythological characters, people, plants, and animals—rarely found in Israel—will soon be revealed to the public for the first time.
This initiative is the result of a collaborative effort between the Ashkelon Municipality and the Israel Antiquities Authority, aimed at preserving and integrating the city's remarkable historical assets into public spaces, benefiting both residents and visitors.
These ancient tombs are located near Ashkelon’s marina, nestled in a public area between residential towers. The municipality has transformed this once-neglected site into a welcoming public garden, making the two tombs accessible to the public. A mere glimpse inside offers a fascinating window into an ancient world.
Ashkelon Mayor Tomer Glam remarked, “Ashkelon is one of the world’s oldest cities, and as we shape and design the city's future, we ensure that its glorious and rich past holds a place of honor. In recent years, we have spearheaded a true revolution in the preservation of historical sites. We have made these sites accessible to both city residents and the general public, and we’ve organized events, educational programs, and cultural initiatives to connect the city's history to its present. I want to extend my gratitude to Deputy Mayor Miri Altit for her comprehensive professional work in this endeavor, and to the Israel Antiquities Authority for their invaluable cooperation, which has been crucial in positioning Ashkelon as Israel’s City of Antiquities.”
* Arutz 7 contributed to this article.