Gaza Authorities Discover over 60 Roman Era Graves

A Palestinian excavation team works in a newly discovered Roman era cemetery in the Gaza Strip, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. (AP)
A Palestinian excavation team works in a newly discovered Roman era cemetery in the Gaza Strip, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. (AP)
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Gaza Authorities Discover over 60 Roman Era Graves

A Palestinian excavation team works in a newly discovered Roman era cemetery in the Gaza Strip, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. (AP)
A Palestinian excavation team works in a newly discovered Roman era cemetery in the Gaza Strip, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. (AP)

Hamas authorities in Gaza on Sunday announced the discovery of over 60 tombs in an ancient burial site dating back to the Roman era. 

Work crews have been excavating the site since it was discovered last January during preparations for an Egyptian-funded housing project. 

Hiyam al-Bitar, a researcher from the Hamas-run Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism, said a total of 63 graves have been identified and that a set of bones and artifacts from one tomb was dated back to the second century. 

She said the ministry is working with a team of French experts to learn more about the site. On Sunday, workers sifted through the soil and removed piles of dirt in wheelbarrows. 

Although the ancient cemetery is now blocked off from the public, construction on the housing project has continued and the site is surrounded by apartment buildings. Local media reported looting when the site was first discovered, with people using donkey-drawn carts to haul away items like a covered casket and inscribed bricks. 

Gaza, a coastal enclave home to more than 2 million people, is known for its rich history stemming from its location on ancient trade routes between Egypt and the Levant. But Israeli occupation, a blockade, conflicts and rapid urban growth in the crowded, narrow territory are among the reasons most of Gaza’s archeological treasures have not been protected. 



Saudi KAUST Researchers Develop Lithium-Metal Battery

Saudi KAUST Researchers Develop Lithium-Metal Battery
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Saudi KAUST Researchers Develop Lithium-Metal Battery

Saudi KAUST Researchers Develop Lithium-Metal Battery

Scientists at Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), in collaboration with their counterparts at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), have made a breakthrough that could increase the power and lower the cost of lithium-metal batteries by incorporating nylon into the design.

In a statement on Sunday, KAUST said the study highlights the advantages of lithium metal batteries, known for their high energy density and lightweight properties, over conventional lithium-ion batteries.

While lithium-ion batteries remain the industry standard, lithium-metal batteries offer superior performance, making them ideal for applications in robotics, transportation, and consumer electronics. However, current production methods rely on hazardous and corrosive chemicals that compromise efficiency and safety.

Head of the KAUST Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies Professor Husam Alshareef said: “My research team is dedicated to building renewable energy and storage solutions such as higher energy density and safer batteries to accelerate decarbonization adoption in the Kingdom. This was a discovery that promises cheaper and safer additives and demonstrates the benefits of basic scientific research.”