Damascus  - Archaeologists in Syria have found what they believe was the largest Roman garrison in the Middle East, the country's official news agency reported Saturday.

German archaeologists discovered the site, which spreads over 3 hectares (30,000 square metres), at al-Rifniah, in the northern Syrian province of Hama, Syria's SANA news agency said.

Experts described the fort as the largest Roman military outpost in the region. It was discovered, following mentions of the outpost in documentary evidence and engravings, SANA said. (dpa)