The building is 1,200 years old

Nov 14, 2008 11:57 GMT  ·  By

A mixed Syrian-Polish group of archaeologists has come upon the remains of an old church, dating back approximately to the 8th century AD in the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria, reports the Associated Press. The experts explained that they believed the 1,200-year-old Christian church to be the largest of its kind to have ever been discovered anywhere in the Middle East countries.

 

The digging site where the discovery was made is located in Palmyra, about 153 miles (246 kilometers) to the northeast of the Syrian capital city of Damascus, shared Walid al-Assaad, the head of the Palmyra Antiquities and Museums Department. Palmyra, which was once a major caravan trade center, now offers researchers a bounty of archaeological treasures, including even layers from the Syrian prehistoric age.

 

According to al-Assaad, the base of the building covers quite a hefty surface of approximately 30 by 51 yards (27 by 47 meters), while the columns of the church stood about 20 feet (6 meters) tall, and a ceiling rising over 49 feet (15 meters) above the ground. Scientists suggest the tiny amphitheater discovered in the courtyard was the place where a number of Christian rituals of the time were performed. "In the northern and southern parts of the church, there are two rooms that are believed to have been used for baptisms, religious ceremonies, prayers and other rituals," explained al-Assaad.

 

The city, situated within an oasis at a distance of 215 kilometers (133 miles) northeast of Damascus and 120 kilometers (74 miles) southwest of the river Euphrates, was first documented by the Babylonian tablets of Mari, with the Bible claiming it was built by King Solomon. The city was under Roman domination with brief moments of independence thanks to Queen Zenobia's bold initiatives. Ever since, it has been under Islamic rule.