Excavation in Lebanon aims to uncover ancient ruins

Beirut (Lebanon), July 12 (ANI): The Directorate-General of Antiquities, Lebanon, has said that it plans to resume excavation at the Freres' archaeological site in the old city of Sidon in collaboration with a delegation of the British museum, in order to uncover more ancient ruins.arlier excavation procedures at the site led to the discovery of several of the city's underground layers, which dated back to 1,000-4,000 B.C.

Claude Doumit Serhal, the head of the British museum delegation, told The Daily Star that archaeological teams would also conduct excavation works at the neighboring site of Sandaqli in order to conduct comparative research among the two sites' layers.

According to Serhal, the ruins that have been discovered in recent years have highlighted Sidon's role as the host of multiple civilizations throughout history.

Excavation works are expected to kick off prior to the establishment of Sidon's historical museum in the same area, which would boost the city's status as a center for tourism and antiquities.

Serhal said that the excavation at the old Freres site disclosed the presence of six old layers that dated back to 3,000 B.C., eight others to 2,000 B.C. and five to 1000 B.C.

She stressed that the discovery of historical sites in Sidon will promote the city's status among other worldwide archaeological locations.

Serhal added that the British Museum delegation, in collaboration with the Lebanon's DGA, have resumed work at the Freres location for the eleventh consecutive year and was recently granted permission to start digging at the Sandaqli site as well.

The work team in charge of restoration works and comparative research will include 90 individuals, according to Serhal, who expressed her hope that the excavations would result in the discovery of new layers and important findings.

Sidon is one of the most important Phoenician cities, and boasts the Phoenician temple site of Eshmoun just to its north. (ANI)