Qalaat Al-Mudiq, Citadel of Apamea: Past and Present

Epublication ISBN 9781784919481International audienceThe Syrian-European mission of Qalaat Al-Mudiq/Citadel of Apamea focussed in 2004 and 2005 on emergency consolidation and restoration on the medieval fortifications built on top of the hill, following the collapse of the medieval glacis and part of the slope. A coring was done to verify the stability of the ground and this showed not only that the entire hill is unstable but also that it is an archaeological tell, approximately 20 m thick. Preliminary archaeological soundings were thus done at the bases of the zones to be consolidated, and these yielded ancient fortifications belonging to the Bronze Age and Hellenistic periods. Consolidation and restorations were done at three particularly endangered areas, including a medieval tower. Since then, the monuments have suffered further damage, which all seemed to be repairable, but the entire site is now endangered by the same threat that brought down the medieval glacis