Syrian archaeologists uncover 11th-century BC painting

A painting believed to date from the 11th century BC has been uncovered by archaeologists in northern Syria, the country's official news agency SANA reported Monday. Archaeologist Youssef Kenjo told SANA that the painting "of geometric shapes; squares and rectangles painted in natural dye of white, black and red," was discovered at Jaadet al-Maghara, north of Aleppo in northern Syria. The painting was found on a wall inside a house and is considered to be "one of the oldest paintings in the world," Kenjo said. The house seems to have been used for "religious rituals and social occasions," Kenjo added. dpa opc ch