Damascus, SANA – The national archeology expedition operating in Barada valley in al-Zabadani area in Damascus Countryside uncovered a floor mural dating back to the 4th century AD.

The mosaic, which has an area of around 50 meters, was found in Barhilia town, and makes up the floor of a hall with a wide entrance and two narrow entrances.

The mural features artistic scenes and geometric, plant-shaped, and symbolic decorations, all executed with small stone tiles. The style indicates that the mosaic dates back to the end of the Roman era and the beginning of the Byzantine era.

Director of Damascus Countryside Archeology Department Mahmoud Hammoud said that this mural is the first of its kind to be found in the area of Damascus and its countryside, and underlines the importance of the site where it was discovered as it was the seat of a kingdom established by the Iturians, and many archeological finds were uncovered in three villages in Barada valley; Souq Wadi Barada, Barhilia, and Kafr al-Awamid.

Hazem Sabbagh