Ashqelon - Painted Tomb

In Hatayasim Street in Ashqelon, near the Shulamit Gardens Hotel, is the Painted Tomb, which dates from the Roman period (third century). Four steps lead down into the barrel-vaulted tomb chamber, which is decorated with frescoes. On the wall opposite the entrance are two naked nymphs sitting amid trees and animals in a stream. On the ceiling is a female figure (Demeter or Kore), above which are a dog chasing a hare and a Gorgon's head. The scene also includes boys with a basket and grapes, Pan with his flute, gazelles and birds, all this enclosed within a pattern of intertwining vine tendrils.