Friday, 23 December 2011

Apamea Museum

Apamea Museum was located below the fortress at Qa'lat al Madiq which was approximately a five minute drive north of Skelbieh. It was a square khan or caravansary(an inn, usually with a large courtyard, for the overnight accommodation of a group of travellers, journeying together for safety. It was built during the Ottoman era by Sultan Suleiman al-Qanuni in 1531. Many of the archaeological findings showcase the ingenuity of the people that inhabited Apamea two thousand years ago.

PHOTOGRAPHS
The photographs contain a mosaic from the 5th century depicting Socrates surrounded by his students.
A second mosaic illustrates a gazelle surrounded by flowers, symbolising fertility.
A mosaic known as "the cathedral" from the 5th century, portrays animals that represent evil being defeated by good.
Another details the Amazons, the warrior women of Greek mythology, riding horses and chasing wild animals.
A 6th century AD mosaic shows Adam surrounded by tame animals.
One portrays the mythical Phoenix bird.
Another found in St. Michael's church shows a man leading two horses carrying a howdah(seat on horse) with the inscription "Georgeos Claudios" above them.
Two marble statues date back to the 2nd century AD. They are of two incomplete nude male and female figures.
There are stone sarcophagi, three of which were placed in St. Michael's church and used to keep the remains of the saints.
Photographs show the crowns of Corinthian columns which are known for their distinct plant-shaped patterns.

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