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<p>ASHKELON, Israel (AP) — For the first time, two nearly 2,000-year-old tombs adorned with stunning wall paintings will be open to the public in southern Israel, following a meticulous conservation effort, as announced by the Israel Antiquities Authority on Tuesday.</p>
<p>These remarkable tombs were originally discovered by British archaeologists in the 1930s, who were captivated by the vibrant paintings that showcase colorful grapevines intertwined with birds, animals, and figures from mythology.</p>
<p>However, the site remained closed to safeguard the delicate paintings for nearly a century. With new apartment buildings emerging nearby, the city decided to transform the area into an educational park, allowing the restoration and public access to the tombs.</p>
<p>“These tombs feature incredible paintings that have been exceptionally preserved, which is surprising given the extensive time that has elapsed and the surrounding seaside environment, including humidity, sand, and winds that could damage the plaster and artwork,” explained Anat Rasiuk, an archaeologist with the Antiquities Authority.</p>
<p>Located just a short walk from the beach, the tombs were likely the burial site for wealthy Romans around 1,700 years ago, at a time when Ashkelon was a thriving Roman city.</p>
<p>The beautiful artwork on the vaulted ceilings and walls depicts nymphs wearing wreaths made from lotus plants, various birds, deer, and children collecting grapes. Additionally, there are images of a figure playing the flute of Pan and well-known mythological characters such as Demeter, the goddess of the earth and grain, and Medusa, whose hair was transformed into snakes—an adaptation from Greek to Roman mythology.</p>
<p>During the restoration, experts carefully removed some plaster paintings for restoration work at outside facilities, while others were cleaned or enhanced with pigments that closely resemble the original colors.</p>
<p>Another similarly adorned 2nd-century tomb, discovered in the 1990s, has also been relocated to this new park to ensure its preservation. Both tombs will be accessible to the public for the upcoming Sukkot holiday in October.</p>
<p>The park will house various archaeological finds from Ashkelon, including ancient sarcophagi, wine presses, and olive presses, all set against a backdrop of newly built apartment complexes.</p>
<p>Ashkelon, located roughly 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the Gaza Strip, has a rich archaeological heritage. Apart from its Roman history, the city was also home to the Philistines during the early Iron Age, around 3,000 years ago. Recent excavations of ancient cemeteries in Ashkelon have provided vital DNA evidence, suggesting that the Philistines may have migrated from Europe over 4,000 years ago, a mystery that has puzzled researchers for many years.</p>
<p>In recent events, the Israeli city faced heavy rocket fire during the initial stages of the Gaza war. In May, some vessels involved in constructing a U.S.-built pier in Gaza—though ultimately unsuccessful—washed ashore on the coast of Ashkelon due to inclement weather.</p>
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