Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (10.1998(1999))

PALMYRA

SYRIA

PALMYRA
EXCAVATIONS, 1998
Michal Gawlikowski

Between September 7 and October 6, the Mission worked on the long range project (begun in
1988) to uncover and prepare for public display a sector of the downtown area, featuring
monuments of the Roman, Byzantine and Islamic periods. 2> Last season the excavation of
a church with three aisles and an apse was completed; judging by a Kufic inscription reused
in the pavement (now in the Museum), the structure was erected in the 8th cent, and aban-
doned early in the 9th. The objective of the present season was to excavate the dependencies of
this church and the neighborhood east and north of it.
The expedition was headed by the present writer, assisted by two long time members, Dr. Maria Krogulska and Dr.
Grzegorz Majcherek. The staff included also Mrs. Ewa Parandowska, restorer; Dr. Karol Piasecki, anthropologist; Mr. Adam
Dolot, architect; and Mr. Tomasz Szmagier, photographer. Mrs. Krystyna Gawlikowska and Mr. Piotr Parandowski also par-
ticipated in our work. While in Palmyra we enjoyed, as usual, the unfailing hospitality and assistance of the officials of the
Palmyra Museum, who are also our friends of many years: Mr. Khaled As'ad, Director of Antiquities and Museums of the
Palmyra region, and his associate, Mr. Ali Taha, who served as inspector attached to the Mission. It is my pleasant duty to
acknowledge their contribution, which was essential to the successful outcome of our fieldwork. May they rest assured of
our sincere appreciation of their efficiency and support.

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