Israel: Impressive Frescoes Depicting Greek Mythological Figures

Frescoes depicting Greek mythology discovered in Israel's Ashkelon that are about 1,700 years old are now open to the public, the country's Archaeological Authority announced Tuesday.

The paintings depict mythological Greek figures such as Demeter, Medusa and nymphs, as well as scenery and images related to nature, the Jerusalem Post reports. The head of the Israel Antiquities Authority's art conservation department, Mark Abrahami, explained that the paintings were preserved for centuries from the surrounding humidity due to their location inside closed burial structures.

He added: “Naturally, centuries of exposure to air and moisture on the paints led to their fading and deterioration. We had to go through a long and delicate process to stop and repair the damage caused by time and weather. Some paintings had to be removed from the walls for careful processing.and then return them to their original place”.

“A rich and glorious past”

One of the tombs was first discovered in the 1930s by a British archaeological expedition and is believed to date back to the 4th century CE. Another tomb, dating back to the 2nd century CE, was moved from another site to its current location in the 1990s. The site, located within the city limits, will be opened to the public as part of a joint effort, according to officials from the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Askelon municipality.

Tomer Glam, mayor of Ashkelon, said of the project: “Ashkelon is one of the oldest cities in the world, and by shaping and planning the city's future, we are ensuring a place of honor for its glorious and rich past.” In his message, the city's mayor stated that ““The revolution to preserve historical sites in Ashkelon continues!”

“Remarkable frescoes depicting figures from Greek mythology”

“In collaboration with the Antiquities Authority, we today unveil a spectacular international archaeological discovery dating back 1,700 years – two ancient tombs containing magnificent and rare frescoes depicting figures from Greek mythology.”

Israel Antiquities Authority Director Eli Escusido Escusido said: “The city of Ashkelon is one of the first in Israel to act wisely to exploit the enormous potential of values ​​and aesthetics inherent in its heritage sites. Ashkelon is an example of how ancient finds can be integrated into the urban fabric – in cooperation with the Israel Antiquities Authority – in a way that enhances the value and stimulates interest in public spaces.”

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