Maccabean Mausoleum in Modi’in?

November 9, 2015

The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), together with local residents, has been conducting an unusual archaeological excavation in search of the real location of the Tomb of the Maccabees (Tomb). The Maccabees, from the ancient city of Modi’in, led the uprising against Greek rule and were responsible for cleansing the impurity from the Second Temple. The Tomb was described in the Book of the Maccabees and the Antiquities of the Jews, as a tall, impressive structure surrounded by columns. Said to overlook the sea, it was built of fine stones and covered with pyramid-like roofs.

The proximity of the Horbat Ha-Gardi site to the Arab village of Al-Midya (whose name is similar to Modi’in), attracted archaeologists c. 150 years ago. Some succeeded in carrying out excavations that revealed an imposing mausoleum borne atop enormous pillars that supported huge stone slabs. Magnificent burial vaults were discovered at the bottom of the structure. The first researchers even issued written announcements: “The ruins of the tomb correspond perfectly to the Tomb of the Maccabees as described in the historical sources.”

The enthusiasm was dampened by a French archaeologist Charles Clermont-Ganneau whose excavations at the site revealed mosaics adorned with a cross in the floors of the burial vaults. Consequently, he asserted that the purpose of the structure is unknown and it is Christian in nature. Since the publication of that archaeologist’s report, the site was abandoned and has remained deserted.

In an unusual step the IAA recently decided to embark upon a campaign in search of the Tomb of the Maccabees, in order to solve the riddle surrounding the place once and for all. Such a discovery is without doubt of national and scientific significance of the highest level.

The magnificent mausoleum was located and re-excavated. According to Amit Re’em and Dan Shachar, excavation directors on behalf of the IAA, “There is no doubt that the structure that was uncovered is unusual. The descriptions from 150 years ago were revealed right here in front of our eyes, and we discovered the magnificent burial vaults, enormous pillars that apparently supported a second story, a forecourt that led to the tomb and other associated buildings.

“The archaeological evidence is still insufficient to establish that this is the burial place of the Maccabees. If what we uncovered is not the Tomb of the Maccabees itself, then there is a high probability that this is the site that early Christianity identified as the royal funerary enclosure. An excavation and a lot of hard work are still required in order to confirm that assumption unequivocally, and the riddle remains unsolved–the search for the elusive Tomb of the Maccabees continues”.

Source: Excerpts of article by the Israel Antiquities Authority

Photo Credit: IAA & Ashernet