ARAMAIC WATCH: A Palmyrene necropolis with inscriptions has been found in Syria.

Syria finds second century skeletons, statues

Archaeologists uncover 2nd century necropolis, statues in Syiran town of Palmyra. (Middle East Online)

DAMASCUS - Syrian archaeologists have uncovered a 2nd century necropolis and statues in the central town of Palmyra, along with several skeletons, museum director Walid Assaad said on Thursday.

According to inscriptions on a 75 centimetre (30 inch) by 60 centimetre (24 inch) sculptured panel found there, the cemetery belonged to a pagan family. The tablet showed two people of Palmyra.

"The first, named Mallay, is wearing a military uniform and has a sword in his belt which he is holding by the hilt. The second, called Yadeh Bel, is wearing traditional Palmyran clothes," Assaad quoted archaeologist mission leader Khalil Hariri as saying.

[...]

Besides the necropolis and panel, the researchers found the bust of a Palmyran man, 60 cms high and 55 cms wide, and bearing the name: Zubeiba, son of Shamune."

The Yadeh Bel panel is pictured. The inscriptions seem to run across the top, but the lighting makes the letters unreadable, at least for me.

(Via the Agade list.)