Archaeology

Officers on routine patrol stumble across an ancient marble column that archaeologists say could be a piece from a Byzantine-era church.

"The discoveries on Ghagha island highlight that the characteristics of innovation, sustainability, and resilience have been part of the DNA of this region for thousands of years," Abu Dhabi official says. The emirate contains some of the most prized and unique cultural and historical attractions and finds in the region and internationally.

The items, which included clay tablets, handed over to Iraq’s ambassador to Lebanon during a ceremony held at the National Museum of Beirut.

The prehistoric site of Ubeidiya is the second-oldest archaeological site outside Africa. It is significant for archaeological and evolutionary studies because it is one of the few places that contain preserved remnants of the early human exodus from Africa, researchers say.

The metal pendants, each different from the others, are from Lviv in Ukraine, Poland and the Czech Republic, according to researchers.

Artifact, which researchers have dated to 1,200 BCE, bears an early Hebrew form of the letter "aleph" and a symbols that resembles a lotus flower.

Following reports of vandalism at dozens of heritage and archaeological sites in Judea and Samaria and the Jordan Valley, Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage Minister Elkin calls conservation of sites a "national mission."

Israeli mentalist tells UK tabloid that when he reveals the location of the Ark, it will create an "archaeological and theological earthquake."