Mysterious ancient 'Horoscope' scroll unveiled in Judaean Desert
The artifact provides a glimpse into the astrological beliefs and practices of an ancient sect, combining historical and mystical elements.
Archaeology
Rare Bar Kochba Revolt-era coin discovered in Judean Desert
The coin, emblazoned with the name of “Eleazar the Priest” in ancient Hebrew script, is believed to date to the first year of the revolt, circa 132 CE.
Rare Bar Kochba Revolt-era coin discovered in Judean Desert
The coin, emblazoned with the name of “Eleazar the Priest” in ancient Hebrew script, is believed to date to the first year of the revolt, circa 132 CE.
Rare First Temple-era clay seal unearthed in Jerusalem
“This is the first time such a sealing has been found in proper archaeological excavations,” Dr. Shlomit Weksler-Bdolah, the lead excavator said, “it supports the biblical record of there being a governor of Jerusalem during the First Temple period.”
1,800-year-old Roman legionary base exposed
According to excavation director Dr. Yotam Tepper, this is the only base of such scale ever discovered in Israel, whilst most camps were smaller or temporary.
Rare Psalm inscription uncovered in Judean Desert
Paraphrasing part of Psalm 86, the inscription – written in New Testament Greek – reads, "Jesus Christ, guard me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am faithful to you."
Archeologists awed by Roman swords from 2 millenia ago in Judean Desert
"We will try to pinpoint the historical event that led to the caching of these weapons in the cave and determine whether it was at the time of the Bar Kokhba Revolt in 132–135 CE," researcher says.
Israel may have to move rare mosaic found in prison
The Megiddo Mosaic is from what is believed to be the world's earliest Christian prayer hall that was located in a Roman-era village in northern Israel. In recent years the Israeli government has started advancing a multi-year plan to move the prison from its current location and develop a tourist site around the mosaic.
Israel's oldest gate offers glimpse into ancient urbanization
The excavation at Tel Erani unveiled not only the 5,500-year-old gate but also a portion of a fortification system dating to the Early Bronze Age.
Student discovers ancient 'magical mirror' during excavations in north
Experts say mirror was used to protect against the evil eye, adding that "similar mirror plaques have been found in the past as funerary gifts in tombs, to protect the deceased in their journey to the world to come.”