A man taking a stroll through the ancient city of Manbij, Syria, discovered a 2,000-year-old Roman funerary monument, or “stele,” which offers an unprecedented glimpse into Roman-era imperialism, Arkeonews reported.
Civilian Sought Proper Preservation Methods
The remarkable find was actually made by a civilian, who noticed the eye-catching stone outside of a cardamom wholesale market in Manbij, which rests just east of Aleppo. After the eagle-eyed resident contacted Syria’s Directorate of Museums and Antiquities, archaeologists swarmed the scene to secure the artifact. It was then transferred to a nearby site known as “the old bathhouse” to ensure its safety and preservation, and from there will be moved to Aleppo to undergo a more comprehensive analysis.
Directorate of Archaeology and Museums Syria
Directorate of Archaeology and Museums Syria
Directorate of Archaeology and Museums Syria
Monument is Inscribed with Greek Text
The monument is inscribed with Greek text, as Roman officials often used the Greek dialect for inscribing items. Researchers believe these inscriptions contain valuable information regarding the person interred within, likely revealing their name along with their social status and family connections as well as any relevant military accomplishments. Scientists are currently translating the text to hopefully reveal more details about the deceased’s life and their role within the larger community. The text could also reveal the larger dynamics happening in Roman-era Manbij, as well as new information about the community’s other inhabitants.
Officials praised the citizen for calling in the discovery, commending Syria’s people as a whole for understanding the importance of historical preservation. Researchers in Aleppo who will be analyzing the stele hope that the Greek text will reveal further secrets that might fill out a larger picture of Roman-era Syria.
