“Re-Discovery” by Indian Troops under British Command

Although the existence of Dura-Europos was known in various literary sources, it was not “rediscovered” until the Arab Revolt in the aftermath of World War I. On March 30, 1920, a soldier digging a trench uncovered brilliantly fresh wall paintings. Archeological digs immediately began. World War II intervened, halting all excavations and publishing of findings. Since 1986, excavations have resumed under a joint Franco-Syrian effort.

Palmyra Gate