Hercules and the Lion
This Syrian postage stamp was issued in 1947 to commemorate the First Arab Archaeological Congress (1er Congrès Archéologique Arabe), an important cultural event hosted in Damascus to foster regional cooperation in preserving antiquities. The stamp bears the denomination of 12.50 Piastres, labeled as "12P.50" on the bottom-left and in Arabic script as "١٢.٥ ق" (Qirsh) on the bottom-right. The top of the frame prominently displays the name of the sovereign state in elegant Arabic calligraphy as Al-Jumhuriyah as-Suriyah (الجمهورية السورية), matched at the base by its French translation, "REPUBLIQUE SYRIENNE".
The central image features an ancient basalt relief depicting the mythological hero Hercules wrestling the Nemean Lion (Hercule et le lion / هرقل والأسد). This specific artifact, dating back to the Greco-Roman period, was discovered in the southern Syrian region of Hauran (near Suweida), highlighting the deep classical heritage embedded within the country's borders. By showcasing this local archaeological treasure on a national stamp, the design celebrated Syria’s rich historical landscape and its foundational role in Near Eastern archaeology during the post-independence era.
The central image features an ancient basalt relief depicting the mythological hero Hercules wrestling the Nemean Lion (Hercule et le lion / هرقل والأسد). This specific artifact, dating back to the Greco-Roman period, was discovered in the southern Syrian region of Hauran (near Suweida), highlighting the deep classical heritage embedded within the country's borders. By showcasing this local archaeological treasure on a national stamp, the design celebrated Syria’s rich historical landscape and its foundational role in Near Eastern archaeology during the post-independence era.