1,700-Year-Old Tombs with Greek Mythology Art to Be Unveiled in Ashkelon

In a remarkable display of ancient art and cultural heritage, Ashkelon is set to unveil two 1,700-year-old tombs featuring magnificent wall paintings of Greek mythological characters, plants, and animals—artworks rarely found in Israel. These ancient vaulted structures, located near Ashkelon’s marina in a newly developed public garden, will soon be accessible to the public for the first time.

The initiative is the result of a collaborative effort between the Ashkelon Municipality and the Israel Antiquities Authority, aiming to integrate the city’s rich heritage into its modern landscape for the enjoyment of both residents and visitors.

Ashkelon Mayor Tomer Glam expressed pride in the city’s efforts to preserve and showcase its historical sites. “Ashkelon is one of the world’s oldest cities, and as we shape and design the city’s future, we ensure a place of honor to its glorious and rich past,” Glam said. The city has invested significantly in making these sites accessible and creating educational, cultural, and touristic programs that connect Ashkelon’s history with its present.

Discovered in the 1930s and located just 300 meters from the beach, the first of the two tombs dates back to the early 4th century CE. The tomb features a passageway adorned with intricate paintings, including depictions of Demeter, the Greek goddess of the earth and grain, as well as various plants, animals, and mythological figures. Among the most striking images is that of Medusa, the Gorgon whose gaze, according to Greek mythology, could turn people to stone.

The second tomb, dating from the 2nd century CE, was relocated to the public garden in the 1990s to ensure its preservation. This tomb also boasts colorful paintings of human figures, birds, and other natural elements, with lead coffins found within its walls decorated with similar imagery.

Over recent months, these ancient paintings and structures have undergone extensive conservation by experts from the Israel Antiquities Authority. Mark Abrahami, head of the Authority’s art conservation branch, highlighted the challenges of preserving such ancient art in Israel’s humid climate. “We had to conduct a long and sensitive process to stop and repair the ravages of time and weathering,” he explained.

The unveiling of these tombs is part of a broader effort by the Ashkelon Municipality to develop and preserve the city’s archaeological treasures. Other recent projects include the opening of a large public park centered around an ancient industrial site, the conservation of a mosaic on Yekutiel Adam Street, and the enhancement of the well-known sarcophagus courtyard.

Eli Escusido, Director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, praised Ashkelon as a model for how ancient findings can be integrated into modern urban spaces, adding significant cultural and aesthetic value.

When the public garden opens for the upcoming holidays, visitors will have the unique opportunity to explore these rare and beautiful remnants of Ashkelon’s past, offering a glimpse into the rich history of this vibrant port city.

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