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Citizens map out Gaza’s history

Major archaeological sites in the Gaza Strip have been subject to looting and neglect, not to mention destruction from razing and urban sprawl.

A man walks past ancient ruins which archaeologists say may be part of a Byzantine church or cathedral dating from around 1,500 years ago, in Gaza City April 4, 2016. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem - RTSDHOZ
A man walks past ancient ruins that archaeologists say may be part of a Byzantine church or cathedral dating from around 1,500 years ago, Gaza City, April 4, 2016. — REUTERS/Mohammed Salem

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Tall al-Ajjul, south of Gaza City, is one of the oldest archaeological sites in the Gaza Strip. The site is a mound on the north bank of Wadi Gaza, where the old town of Beth-Eglaim was located during the days of the Mamluks and Ayyubis.

In 2200 B.C., this town represented ancient Gaza, which was located during the Canaanite era in 3000 B.C. in the middle of what is now Gaza City.

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