The archeological discoveries of the excavation expeditions working at 17 archeological sites in Aleppo governorate contribute to highlighting Aleppo's role in the human civilization during various eras.

Chairman of the Ruins Excavation Section in Aleppo Ruins and Museums Department Youssef Kanjo pointed out that the Syrian-Japanese joint expedition working in Didarieh Cave, northern Aleppo, unearthed lots of stony tools dating back to the Yabroudi civilization.

He added that excavation works included the part returned to the Musterian Civilization, as hundreds of flint and bony tools were used by the Neanderthal Man, to whom the Musterian Civilization belongs.

The Lebanese-Syrian expedition working in al-Nabi Huri, in Ephreen area, discovered the city's fence during the Byzantinean and Islamic eras. Kengo pointed out that the Syrian-Polish expedition working in Tel al-Qaramil, north Aleppo, discovered a circular bridge and number of circular adjoining houses and tombs dating back to the Bronze era.

The Syrian-French joint expedition working in Qinesreen site, South Aleppo accomplished an archeological survey for the site and documented all the Islamic and classical ruins in the archeological village of al-Aeis in preparation to start the excavation works in the Islamic castle. The excavation works uncovered a Factory for glass manufacturing, Kenjo went on.

The Syrian-Dutch expedition working in Aleppo castle completed the work in the Aramaic Temple and the preparation works for turning the Temple to be a museum. The Syrian-Dutch and American expedition finished its works in Emar Palace, East Aleppo.

The expedition restored a part of Bell Temple, dating back to the late Bronze era, using the same material which the Temple was built from. The French expedition working in Samaan Castle continues its excavation works in the main entrance of the church.

The expedition discovered a number of buildings, which were used as supermarkets, in addition to an important archeological Hammam (Bathroom) in the western part of the church dating back to the Byzantine era. The bathroom is distinguished by good condition mosaic floor.

 The expedition continues its works in Gha'da Cave site in Manbij to unearth the most oldest mud painting in the world, which was discovered during the previous excavation seasons. The works include the area surrounding the painting in order to understand it.

For his part Director of Aleppo Ruins and Museums Department Nadeen Fakish said that the discoveries of the Spanish expedition working in Tel al-Amarinaa in Jarabluse area are dating back to the bronze era.

The expedition discovered a factory for manufacturing wine. The Syrian-Danish expedition conducted some surveys at Hulwanji castle on Saghour River. The surveys showed that the castle, which is dating back to the medium Bronze era, was built of adobes and still existed on 3 meters height.

The Belgian expedition continued its excavation works in Tel Ahmar, unearthing a pyramidal archeological tomb dating back to medium Bronze era (2000 years B.C).

The archeological sites in Aleppo governorate are a main attractive factor for the national and foreign joint excavation expeditions and contribute to highlighting the various civilizations in the city through the ages.

H.Zain/ Idelbi