The remains of a 1,500-year-old underground Byzantine tomb complex have been discovered beneath the rubble of a destroyed house in the northern Syrian town of Maarat al-Numan.

The unexpected find was made in May by a local contractor who was excavating the site. Upon uncovering the burial chambers, residents alerted the Directorate of Antiquities, which promptly sent a specialized team to inspect and secure the area.

Archaeologists confirmed that the pit, located beside one of the town’s cinder-block buildings, leads to two ancient burial chambers. The discovery has sparked hopes that such well-preserved historical sites could help revive tourism in the war-torn region.

Syria, home to numerous archaeological treasures, has seen its heritage suffer from years of conflict. Experts believe that careful preservation and promotion of these ruins could attract international visitors, contributing to the area’s recovery.