London, November 16 : Syrian archaeologists have unraveled a second century necropolis (a large cemetery or burial place) and statues along with several skeletons in the central town Palmyra.

According to the inscriptions found on a 75 centimetre (30 inches) by 60 centimetre (24 inches) tablet, which was among the artefacts recovered, the cemetery belonged to a pagan family. The tablet also portrays a camel led by a child.

Damascus Museum Director Walid Assaad quoted archaeologist mission leader Kalil Hariri as saying "The first figure, named Mallay, is wearing a military uniform and has a sword in his belt, which he is holding by the hilt. The second, called Yadeh Bel, is wearing traditional Palmyran clothes. "

"The people would be traders on the Silk Route, " he added.

Palmyra, some 220 kilometres (135 miles) northeast of Damascus, was a stopping point of caravans travelling on the Silk Route.

The researchers also retrieved a bust of a Palmyran man, 60 cms high and 55 cms wide, and bearing the name, ' Zubeiba, son of Shamune. ' (ANI)