Homs, Central Syria (SANA) – Homs Directorate of Antiquities and Museums on Monday discovered remains of antique brick columns and parts of a bathhouse floor dating back to the Roman era.

The excavation team was working at Abu al-Ouf Street against al-Arbaeen quarter.

The archeological findings include copper coins and broken pottery from the Roman, Byzantine and Islamic eras.

In a statement to SANA, Director of Museums in Homs Fared Jabour said the directorate is working to convert al-Zahrawi Palace into a museum.

He added that the directorate is collecting documents, photos, scripts and articles on the history of Homs Province to be showcased at the museum.

Homs is the third largest city in Syria and it is strategically located at the fertile Orontes River. It lies about 162 km north of Damascus. The city dates back to the year 2300 B.C and was known in Roman times as Emesa.

R. Raslan/ H. Sabbagh