Syrian Media Centre: One of the most ancient archaeological sites in Syria, Ebla dates back to the third millennium BC, in what was known as the Early High Syrian Period. The city is remarkably well preserved; it was discovered by a team of Italian archaeologists in 1964, since that time many thousands of clay tablets in cuneiform have been discovered, although few of the secrets they display have been revealed.
After its inception at the end of the third millennium BC, Ebla probably controlled most of north-western Syria. It was then sacked, probably by Sargon of Akkad, before the end of the millennium. It became prominent again from around 1900 to 1750 BC, before being invaded by the Hittite invaders.
Thousands of years later, the town was passed by the crusaders, who referred to it as Mardic Hamlet.
There is a small museum that holds artefacts recovered from the excavations. Once you have walked over the rise to the site the main feature is the limestone core of what was once the city’s fortress. The best ruins are labelled ‘Palace G’, and are located to the west of the acropolis. Here you can see the remains of the royal staircase, walls and columned halls.
Situated 60km south of Aleppo, Ebla is reached by taking a microbus headed towards Hama. Less frequent buses go to Ma’arat an-Nu’aman. One should ask the bus driver to get off at the ‘Tell Mardikh’ turn-off. From that village you have to walk 20 minutes or 1km through the village to reach the archaeological site.
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