More re discoveries at Qatna

Heritage Key (Ann Wuyts)

The ongoing dig at the ancient royal town of Qatna, Syria, has brought some exciting new discoveries to light.

Among the skeletal remains, archaeologists have found precious gold jewellery, gemstones, alabaster vases, detailed ivory artefacts, tiny figurines.

Since the start of this year's excavation mid-July, a total of 379 artefacts were recorded in the tomb.

The archaeological mission – a Syrian-German cooperation between the University of Tubingen and the Syrian governement – is further excavating the royal sepulchre that was discovered last year under the northwest wing of Qatna's royal palace.

Among the burial gifts, a number of Egyptian object are of particular interest.