Archaeology

Open House: A behind-the-scenes look at Jerusalem

There are 164 tours to prominent buildings, public institutions, private homes, and quaint hideaways nestled in obscure spots around town unbeknownst to the majority of us.

The Talbiyeh neighborhood of Jerusalem.
 Dr. Ayala Zilberstein, excavation director on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, holding the rare sealing.

Rare Assyrian inscription unearthed near Temple Mount reveals communication with the King of Judah

A handout illustration shows a reconstruction of the Jurassic species Breugnathair elgolensis, which possessed characteristics both of lizards and snakes, and lived 167 million years ago, based on fossils discovered in Scotland.

Enigmatic Jurassic reptile looks like a mix of snake and lizard

THIS SEAL, dated to the First Temple period, features Hebrew writing that reads: ‘Natan-melech the king’s servant,’ which is a quote that appears in the second ‘Book of Kings,’ 23:11.

Unearthing Israel’s past: Archaeological discoveries change our understanding of history


New Israeli technology lets archaeologists see underground without digging

Using muon detectors, the team produced detailed images of underground features, including tunnels and cisterns, based on how soil absorbs cosmic radiation.

 A paleontologist cleaning a skeleton during an archaeology dig; illustrative.

Gold hoard unearthed in Galilee offers glimpse of Byzantine politics, wealth

Archaeologists found 97 gold coins and jewelry in Susita, revealing life during the Sassanid invasions.

The obverse of a gold coin showing the portrait of Emperor Heraclius (610–613 CE).

IDF prosecutor likely to indict Col. Yarom in negligent deaths of archaeologist, soldier in Lebanon

“I share in the families’ grief, embrace them, and wish the wounded a swift recovery,” Yarom wrote.

(L-R)  civilian archaeologist Ze’ev 'Jabo' Hanoch Erlich and IDF soldier Gur Kahati.

New digital archive gives global access to Israel’s archaeological treasures

The Israel Antiquities Authority has launched a new database holding over three million historically significant records.

An intricately decorated 1,700-year-old ceramic oil lamp adorned with symbols linked to the Jewish Temple and discovered on Jerusalem's Mount of Olives, displayed in Jerusalem on Dec. 26, 2024

Iron Age olive oil center in Beit Aryeh shows Israelite kingdom’s economic power in Samaria

A study published in the Israel Antiquities Authority's latest volume found that olive oil production was a key economic engine for the ancient Kingdom of Israel.

View of an ancient olive press in an archeological digging site in the Sharafat neighborhood of Jerusalem, on March 27, 2019 (illustrative).

LiDAR-found “Lost Cities” May Never Have Been Lost at All, Scholars Warn

A wave of archaeological discoveries hailed as ‘lost cities found’ may reveal less about the ancient world than about how modern information circulation.

The Amazon rainforest.

Israeli archaeologists unearth lavish 1,600-year-old Samaritan estate

The excavation revealed a magnificent mosaic floor decorated with a geometric pattern and images of fruits and vegetables, such as grapes, dates, and watermelons.

An olive press for production of oil in ritually pure conditions and an adjacent ritual bath (miqveh)

Ancient innovation uncovered: Some of the oldest lamp wicks in history found in Israel

The wicks, preserved in unusual circumstances, are a remarkable discovery given the moist Mediterranean climate, which typically causes organic materials to decompose.

A 4,000-year-old wick was discovered in its entirety in an  Israel Antiquities Authority excavation near Yehud.

The Lod Mosaic: A rare peace of ancient Rome on display in Israel

The main figures in this impressive piece of art shows the beauty in the natural world with depictions of birds, mammal, fish, plants, and flowers.

Lod mosaic.

Silver used as form of currency in Land of Israel 3,600 years ago - study

For years, researchers had discovered dozens of silver hoards in Israel from the Bronze and Iron Ages, but they were often thought to be raw metal, jeweler's scraps, or foundation deposits.

A silver hoard from Maras ad-Din, circa 600 BC.

Rare gold coin depicting Egyptian queen unearthed in Jerusalem

Discovered in the Givati parking lot of Jerusalem, the coin was minted for Queen Berenice II, wife of the Hellenistic ruler Ptolemy III of Egypt.

The rare coin with the portrait of Queen Berenice II.