1200 pieces of flint stones dating back to 250,000 years ago were unearthed at al-Sharar Valley near Daraa, Southern Syria. The pieces were discovered by the expedition of Damascus University in cooperation with the Directorate of Antiquities and Museums in the governorate. Head of the expedition Prof. Ahmad Diab said the findings prove that the Acholic and Mousteric civilizations existed in Horan, proved to be in light of the findings one of the most important and old-inhabited places in Syria. He indicated that the area where the study was done lies nearto al-Zaidi Valley, one of the most important places of residence for the ancient men where dozens of caves are found.
     The expedition discovered a set of stone tools belonging to many prehistoric phases, especially the Paleolithic age, in addition to a number of pieces dating back to the Neolithic age, indicating that there is scarcity in the findings which date back to the Paleolithic era. "Hence the importance of these missions in pursuing the discoveries of the directorate seven years ago at al-Maisari site, 4 km southeast of Daraa, one of the most important sites dating back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic age," Acheological researcher Yaser Abu Nokta added.

Source: Global Arab Network (26 May 2010)