Archaeology in Review

The Golden City Strikes Gold

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In November 2008, a 2,000-year-old gold earring—missing its match, but inlaid with pearls and emeralds—was discovered in the City of David excavations just outside the Dung Gate in Jerusalem. It was found in the ruins of a building dating to the Byzantine period (fourth–fifth centuries AD) but was most likely produced earlier during the Roman period (between the first and fourth centuries AD).

New Discoveries at Herodium

{image_1} Professor Ehud Netzer of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem announced that his team, excavating at the Herodium fortress near Bethlehem, made some exciting new discoveries there. Among the finds were two carved and decorated white-limestone sarcophagi (large stone burial boxes), remains of a mausoleum, and a theater with a royal box.

Earliest Hebrew Text Discovered

{image_1} The earliest known Hebrew text, written in a Proto-Canaanite script, has been discovered by Hebrew University archaeologists in an ancient city in the area where David slew Goliath, the earliest Judean city found to date.

Rare First Temple Seal Found

{image_1} In excavations the Israel Antiquities Authority is carrying out in the northwestern part of the Western Wall plaza in Jerusalem, a rare and impressive Hebrew seal was discovered that dates to the latter part of the First Temple Period. The seal was found in a building, which dates to the seventh century BC, when the kings Manasseh and Josiah reigned.

8500–6750 BC Prehistoric Funerary Found in the Galilee

{image_1} Archaeologists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, digging in the Nazareth hills at Kfar Ha’Horesh, have discovered a prehistoric funerary (burial chamber) precinct dating to around 8500–6750 BC. The Pre-pottery Neolithic B precinct, a massive walled enclosure measuring 10 meters (32 feet) by at least 20 meters (64 feet), is interpreted as having been a regional funerary and cult center for nearby lowland villa.

2nd Temple Period Jerusalem Wall Unearthed

By Will King, Correspondent, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio

{image_1} Archaeologists with the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), the Nature and Parks Authority, and the Ir David Foundation discovered part of a 2,100-year-old wall from the late Second Temple Period (second century BC to AD 70). According to the IAA, the wall was constructed by the Hasmoneans in the second century BC and later destroyed by the Romans in AD 70. The wall is located at the southern part of Mount Zion, adjoining a Catholic cemetery, near where the “righteous gentile” Oskar Schindler is buried. This wall delineated Jerusalem from the south in periods when the ancient city had reached its largest size.

Germans and Israelis dig together

{image_1} There were some 50 German theology students digging at the site, led by Professor Dr. Manfred Oeming. In addition to excavating at the site, the students attended academic lectures and went on tours to important religious and historical sites around Israel, including the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem.

Lifeguard Rescues Ancient Discus

{image_1} In the last issue of the Dispatch from Jerusalem, we highlighted the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) Theft Prevention Unit and, in particular, a bust they made on a man in Haifa who was stealing artifacts from underwater sites along Israel’s northern coastline. In this issue, we’re proud to highlight an underwater discovery of another kind that was brought to the attention of the proper authorities.

Bullae Identify King Zedekiah’s Ministers

{image_1} In her ongoing excavations at the City of David in Jerusalem, Dr. Eilat Mazar has made yet another incredible discovery. Her team found a clay bulla (seal impression) inscribed with the name “Gedaliah Ben Pashchur.”

Authorities Recover Stolen Antiquities

{image_1} Acting on specific intelligence, the Theft Prevention Unit of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) raided a home in Haifa recently where they discovered several hundreds of items, some of them unique and very valuable. According to the IAA, the items had been either stolen or acquired illegally and were going to be smuggled out of the country for sale abroad.