Tell Afis, Archaeological site in Idlib region, Syria
Tell Afis is an archaeological site in the Idlib region that spans roughly 28 hectares divided between a lower city and an acropolis. Excavations have uncovered building foundations and artifacts scattered across multiple ancient periods.
The site preserves remains spanning from the Late Chalcolithic through the Iron Age, including a massive stone wall with a defensive moat dating to around 4000-3200 BC. It was later settled and used by Aramaean and Syro-Hittite cultures.
The site displays remains of temples and sacred spaces where ancient Aramaean and Syro-Hittite populations performed their religious practices. These places of worship offer insight today into how these peoples understood the divine.
The site sits in a rural setting and is best explored with guided visits or local assistance. Visitors should prepare for uneven ground and bring suitable equipment for navigating an archaeological dig site.
A notable discovery at this location is the Stele of Zakkur, found in 1903 on the acropolis with Aramaic inscriptions carved into its surface. The stone monument is now kept in the Louvre Museum and provides record of the rulers' religious beliefs during that era.
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