Syria… Cradle of Civilizations
Palmyra… The Pearl of the Desert
Ugarit… Where the Alphabet Was Born
Krak des Chevaliers… Guardian of History
Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums
The official authority responsible for safeguarding and preserving the cultural heritage of the Syrian Arab Republic.
It manages thousands of archaeological sites and museums across the governorates, working to document, restore, and promote awareness of their historical and human value.
From the depths of history to the present day, the Directorate continues its mission to protect Syria’s civilizational memory.
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National Museums
In our museums, small artifacts stand to tell great stories: of love, rituals, death, life, and thought.
These museums serve as cultural beacons, fostering a sense of belonging and giving generations a deeper understanding of their roots and identity, deeply rooted in a fertile land.
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Archaeological Sites
From the far north to the south, thousands of mounds and archaeological sites spread across the land, telling the stories of successive civilizations that laid the foundations of early humanity.
Every inch of its soil holds an inscription, a wall, or a shadow of a life that flourished thousands of years ago.
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Historical Buildings
Among the alleys of Old Damascus, the markets of Aleppo, and the castles of the coast and desert, historical buildings rise like pillars of living memory.
They are not merely structures, but testimonies to successive civilizations that shaped the character of both place and people.
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Selected Artifacts
Every Syrian artifact carries a story told not only in words but felt through the senses.
These are remnants of eras immortalized in pottery, stone, and inscriptions, transporting us through time to reveal a civilization that illuminated the paths of humanity since the dawn of history.
Projects and Research
We believe that safeguarding the past is not only a cultural responsibility but also a fundamental step toward building a socially aware community, rooted in its history and capable of preserving its identity amid change.
The Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums carries out a wide range of projects dedicated to protecting and preserving Syrian heritage, in collaboration with local and international partners.
Pioneers of Archaeology
Adnan Al-Bunni
Dr. Adnan Al-Bunni – may he rest in peace He is an immortal figure from my country, born in the…
Khaled al-Asaad
Professor Khaled al-Asaad Professor Khaled al-Asaad was born on January 1, 1934, near the Temple of Bel, steeped in the…
Salim Adel Abd al-Haqq
Salim Adel Abd al-Haqq “Syria has never ceased to give birth to history and men, civilization after civilization, and man…
Syria Through the Ages
Prehistoric Eras
1,800,000 – 3200 BC
Prehistoric Eras
1,800,000 – 3200 BC
Tell Al-Abr Archaeological Site
Aleppo Governorate
Historical Eras
3200 – 333 BC
Historical Eras
3200 – 333 BC
Salamiyah City
Hama Governorate
Classical Eras
333 BC – 635 AD
Classical Eras
333 BC – 635 AD
Banias Al-Hawla Site
Quneitra Governorate
The Arab-Islamic Periods up to the Modern Era
635 AD to the Modern Era
The Arab-Islamic Periods up to the Modern Era
635 AD to the Modern Era
Damascus National Museum
Photo Gallery












Report a Violation or Damage to an Archaeological Site
The Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums is committed to protecting Syria’s cultural heritage from any deliberate or unintentional harm.
If you witness any activity that poses a threat to an archaeological site, or notice acts of vandalism, illegal excavation, or smuggling of artifacts, please contact us immediately.

