People in biblical Levant paid in silver 3,600 years ago, study shows
The use of silver as a means of payment in the Levant began about 500 years earlier than previously thought, a new study has shown. But since silver is not found in the region, the practice required active trade with Turkey to import the precious metal. Archaeological records show that the use of silver pieces […]
Biblical Siloam Pool next to Temple Mount to be fully excavated
The ancient pool of Siloam, first mentioned in the biblical book of Kings II, will be fully excavated and opened to the public, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced Tuesday. The structure is located just outside the walls of Jerusalem’s Old City to the southeast. “The Pool of Siloam in the City of David National Park […]
Cave associated with Jesus’ midwife Salome reveals several surprises
Researchers announced that they are beginning excavations in a cave that was originally used as a burial site for a wealthy family in the Second Temple era but continued to be venerated for hundreds of years as the burial site of the midwife of Jesus. The Israel Antiquities Authority announced on Tuesday that they are […]
Israeli archaeologists find earliest evidence of use of cotton in the Middle East
A team of Israeli archaeologists has uncovered the earliest evidence of the use of cotton in the ancient Middle East, the University of Haifa announced Sunday. Remains of cotton fibers dating back to some 7,000 years ago were found in the archaeological site of Tel Tsaf, located in the central Jordan Valley, south-east of Beit […]
Rare 2,000-year-old ‘Temple tax’ silver coin found near Temple Mount
A rare silver “half-shekel” coin from the time of the Great Jewish Revolt against the Romans (66-70 CE) was uncovered in Jerusalem in the Ophel excavation south of the Temple Mount, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem announced Tuesday. “This is the third coin of this type found in excavations in Jerusalem, and one of the […]
2,200-year-old trove of silver coins offers historical proof of Hanukkah events
A new discovery by Israeli archaeologists has offered unprecedented historical proof of the history of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, which will begin on Sunday. Some 2,200 years ago, someone, likely some Jews fleeing from the war waged against them by Antiochos IV, found shelter in the Judean Desert. The fugitives were carrying a small […]
2,200 year old Greek “Hercules” sling bullet discovered in Yavne
A rare lead sling bullet was discovered during excavations of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) in Yavne, the IAA announced Thursday. The artifact might have belonged to a Greek soldier, bearing a magic inscription intended to instill fear in the enemy. The sling bullet, estimated to be 2,200 years old, was inscribed with the Greek […]
Ancient Roman Road discover in Galilee
A group of archaeologists uncovered a section of a 1,800-year-old Roman road in Northern Israel, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced Thursday. Archaeologists estimate that construction was begun during the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian (76 CE-138 CE) but was completed by his successors. The road was renovated in the Byzantine era. In a statement, […]
Rare DNA from Medieval Jewish cemetery in Germany sheds unprecedented light on origin of Ashkenazi Jews
In 2013, the local authorities of the city of Erfurt, the capital of the German State of Thuringia, decided to grant permission to turn a building that had been built as a granary in 1454 into a parking lot. However, at the time, the granary was erected in an area that had previously been part […]
3,000-year-old Canaanite scarab found by Israeli schoolchildren
A 3,000-year-old scarab was found by some eighth graders on a school trip in Azor, just a few miles south of Tel Aviv, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced Wednesday. Amulets in the shape of a dung beetle, scarabs were common among Egyptians, who considered their typical behavior of rolling balls as big as twice their […]
