Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (11.1999(2000))

HAWARTE

SYRIA

It was already clear at the end of the
last season that the painted wall of the
mithraeum is hidden behind the narthex
foundation. A DGAM crane from the
Hama Directorate was made available
and during five days of work removed
the entire late foundation down to the
bottom of the cave. As expected, the
original wall, or rather what was left
of it, appeared. It was covered with
paintings.

In the middle of this wall, a doorway was
discovered leading to the main room from
a vestibule to the west. Parts of the door-
jambs were reused in the later foundation,
along with some blocks with painted plaster
still adhering. In front of the door there was
a step hewn in the rock. To the west, anoth-
er room was discovered, also covered with
paintings.
This second room served probably as an
entrance hall to the mithraeum. It should

C


Fig. 2. Plan of the main room
(Drawing G. Majcherek)

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