Archeology

How Israel safeguards archaeological treasures amid Iranian attacks

DOMESTIC AFFAIRS: Museum staff members across Israeli institutions face the challenge of protecting some of the most important artifacts of humankind.

 ‘THEY ARE are organic. They can be burned.’ Ivory artifacts, like the figurines pictured here, were among the highest priority artifacts to be removed from the museum to safety.
All four lion heads from the Eyal Interchange excavation.

Rare 1,900-Year-Old bronze lion heads uncovered in Sharon region, symbolic of regional diversity

 The side of the marble sarcophagus, depicting the scene of Hercules, sprawled on a lion's skin and holding a cup in his hand.

Archaeologists reveal mythological scene on ancient sarcophagus found in Caesarea

 The Be'er Shema (Birsama) mosaic, discovered over 30 years ago near Kibbutz Urim, dates back approximately 1,600 years.

Stunning 1,600-year-old Byzantine mosaic unveiled in Western Negev


Inscription of Pharaoh Ramses III discovered in southern Jordan

Archaeologists in southern Jordan have uncovered a rare royal inscription bearing the seal of Pharaoh Ramses III, dating back over 3,000 years.

 Tomb of Egyptian general linked to Ramses III found at Tell el-Maschuta.

From strategic port to archaeological gem: Lefkada's ancient theater emerges

Researchers estimate the theater was constructed around the 4th century BC during the city's economic prosperity.

 From strategic port to archaeological gem: Lefkada's ancient theater emerges.

130,000-year-old clues from Israel’s Tinshemet Cave point to shared Homo behaviors

These findings came from an excavation led by Israeli researchers from Hebrew University, Tel Aviv University, and other academic institutions in the country starting back in 2017.

 Neanderthal communities in prehistoric Europe. How were they linked? (Illustrative)

Western Wall Rabbi urges stone be returned from airport display

On Wednesday, Ben-Gurion Airport launched a new exhibit showcasing archeological artifacts, among which was a five-tone stone from the Western Wall. 

A stone from the western wall is rolled through Ben-Guiron Airport.

Who were the Sogdians, the enigmatic Silk Road merchants?

Renowned for their sense of commerce and diplomacy along the Silk Road from Antiquity to the High Middle Ages, the Sogdians became the most successful merchants of the era.

 Who were the Sogdians, the enigmatic silk road merchants?

Ancient remains of pregnant teen suggest rare ritual sacrifice in Ecuador

A pregnant woman's dismembered remains from over 1,000 years ago, along with unusual burial artifacts spanning multiple cultures, point to a possible ritual sacrifice in coastal Ecuador

 Drawing of Burial by Kathryn Killacky and schematic showing missing elements (dark gray), disturbed elements (light gray), and the location of mascaras (crescents) and pendants (squares).

Grave of Kfar Etzion pioneer rediscovered 80 years after her death

The grave of Tziporah Eliash, a Kfar Etzion pioneer, was buried with her daughter in the cemetery that saw many heart-wrenching funerals, including the Convoy of 10 and the Convoy of 35.

Grave of Tziporah Eliash in Kfar Etzion cemetery.

Ancient tools reveal 780,000-year-old plant-based diets  

Israeli researchers discover 780,000-year-old evidence of plant food processing at archaeological site, suggesting early humans relied heavily on starchy plants.

 A stone anvil (left) and hammerstone (right) used for processing plants

Not just gelt! Coins belonging to second king of the Hasmonean dynasty in miraculous discovery

Dr. Shay Bar, Dr. Yoav Farhi and Dr. Mechael Osband, who led the excavation, discovered the 80/79 BCE-style coins on Friday - the third night of Hanukkah.

Researchers unearthed 160 coins belonging to the second king of the Hasmonean dynasty from a Hanukkah-era excavation

Ten-year-old boy finds 100-year-old golden cross medallion in Jerusalem

“This cross medallion is not considered an antiquity by law as it is ‘only’ 100-200 hundred years old or so, but it is a unique object," said Dr Re'em of IAA.

 Cross medallion inset with glass and tiny precious stones.

'Exquisite' 1,700-year-old lamp bearing Temple symbols discovered in Jerusalem

"The exquisite artistic workmanship of the lamp, which was found complete, makes it outstanding and extremely rare."

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