Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
Sweida, SANA- The cemetery of Salkhad city in Sweida province which is located on the western slope of its castle, is a sign of a long-lived civilization, evidenced by numerous archaeological finds which raise questions to researchers and those interested in archaeological and historical issues.
The cemetery, which is a cave made of a volcanic cone, was discovered at the beginning of the current century. Later, a national expedition team was formed to excavate it by the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums.
Head of Sweida Antiquities Department, Nashat Kiwan, said that through the results of the excavation mission and the use of translation of tombstones, saddles and pottery finds, it can be concluded that the cemetery was used for more than one period of time (Nabataean, Roman and Byzantine), and it seems that the human improved its sides, roof and entrance to be used as a mass burial.
Kiwan referred to different ways of burial inside the cemetery, as there are three cases of burial, in addition, the cemetery is divided into two parts, the first one is for burning and is consisted of fifth, sixth and seventh chambers, while the other chambers were a place for gathering the skeletons.
He added that the cemetery front façade is divided into two parts, the first one is consisted of different five blocks and ends at the cemetery door, while the second one is consisted of three blocks and it opens towards the south.
Nisreen / Rafah/Mazen
