Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (11.1999(2000))

PALMYRA

SYRIA

its columns replaced to form the inner
colonnade of the atrium. However, the
first eastern column of the original colon-
naded street was left in place, resulting in
an asymmetry: the intercolumnia on the
short side measure 5.50 m and 4.30 m,
while on the long sides they have only
2.60 m.

We were also able to establish that, at
a later date, the western portico was closed
with walls between the columns, made of
huge blocks taken from some ancient build-
ings. The columns themselves fell still later,
at a level about 30 cm above the bases, that
is practically on the modern surface. All this
should be clarified by further digging.

CEMETERY

The area (Fig. 4) between the two
churches is 33 m wide north-south, but
clearly divided into two halves by an east-
west wall whose foundation could be fol-
lowed all through the excavated sector,
that is, for some 23 m. The southern half
is clearly delimited on the north by the
above-mentioned foundation, on the
south by the lateral foundation of Basilica

II, and on the west by the Church Street.
It is filled with ruins preserved to levels
between 0.80 m and 1.80 m below the
pavement of the adjoining church
(Fig. 5).
It is clear that at the time when the
church was in use the whole place was an
empty field, all remains having been
deeply buried even before the church was


Fig. 5. General view of area G 3 to the south with Basilica II in the background
(Photo M. Gawlikowski)

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