IAA

Pre-historic ritual complex discovered in cave in northern Israel

According to researchers, the ritual complex in the Manot Cave symbolizes the transition from unstructured worship to the dawn of institutionalized public rituals.

Stone seal from the First Temple period discovered in Jerusalem

Seal bearing the name of Yehoʼezer ben Hoshʼayahu, 'one of the most beautiful ever discovered,' found near Southern Wall of the Temple Mount.

Ashkelon:

Stunning Roman-period wall paintings to be revealed to public

Ancient paintings decorating ancient tombs of wealthy people were discovered decades ago in Ashkelon, but few people ever saw them. Now preserved, the city's archaeological gems will be visible to all.

Vilna:

Excavations reveal intensity of Great Synagogue's destruction

Archaeological excavations of the Great Synagogue of Vilna reveal the floor of the main prayer hall and evidence of the intensity of destruction of the synagogue, destroyed by the Nazis and the Soviet authorities.

After 150 years:

Fortification that protected the kings of Jerusalem uncovered

At the City of David in the Jerusalem Walls National Park, archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority and Tel Aviv University have discovered a massive moat, at least nine meters deep and at least 30 meters wide.

Judean Desert:

3,800-year-old red textile dyed with Biblical scarlet discovered

Cloth fragment, earliest evidence of textile dyed with kermes, identified with the "scarlet worm" in the source texts, is discovered in Judean Desert Caves.

Lod:

Evidence found of last Jewish revolt against Roman rule in Israel

Archaeological site found from the Gallus Revolt, the last Jewish resistance against Roman rule 1650 years ago.

New study reveals:

Tefillin were not colored black 2,000 years ago

A new scientific study has found that ancient tefillin, or phylacteries, were not colored black, as is mandated by Jewish law.

British royal coats-of-arms identified on Jerusalem building

Archeologists studying the walls of what is now the Jerusalem House of Quality identified coats-of-arms of figures including King George the Fifth, and the founder of the iconic Irish beer – Edward Cecil Guinness.

Jerusalem of Gold:

2300-year-old gold ring found in the City of David

The ring was found in the joint Israel Antiquities Authority – Tel Aviv University excavation. Its small diameter leads experts to suggest it is a child’s ring, either girl or boy, who lived in Jerusalem during the Hellenistic period.

Unprecedented study:

Researchers accurately date findings from First Temple Jerusalem

New carbon-dating research reveals new findings about the age of the city of Jerusalem and the dates of its expansion.

Northern Israel:

Bar Kokhba revolt-period hiding complex revealed

The most extensive hiding complex discovered to date in the Galilee was excavated in an archaeological excavation carried out by the IAA at the site of Huqoq. The excavation uncovered finds that reveal dramatic episodes in Jewish history.

A Jerusalem Mystery:

What was the function of the discovered installation?

The channel installation was discovered in the City of David National Park and dating to the time of Kings Joash and Amaziah.

Mirror, mirror, on the wall:

Youth leader uncovers 'magical mirror' at archaeological site

Youth leader Aviv Weizman discovers an ancient 'magical mirror' in an archaeological excavation in northern Israel.

IAA spokesperson:

Airport is strategic; it shouldn't host demonstrations

Israel Airport Authority spokesperson Ofer Lapler explained how the airport is preparing for anti-government protest.

Israel Antiquities Authority:

Artifact bearing name of Ahasuerus's father is not authentic

IAA makes rare retraction, walking back announcement hailing discovery of shard bearing the name of Persian king Darius.

An unexpected greeting from an admired Swiss National hero

Graffiti with the name of Knight Adrian von Bubenberg discovered on Mount Zion in Jerusalem.

'Shema Yisrael' pendants discovered in Sobibor excavations

The pendants were uncovered in areas where victims were forced to undress before being herded into gas chambers, and near a mass grave.

Study:

Jerusalem elite suffered from disease in First Temple era

2,700-year-old remains of intestinal parasite eggs discovered beneath toilet in luxury estate at Armon Hanatziv Promenade in Jerusalem.

Artifacts seized in J'lem may be from Bar Kokhba rebels

Israel Antiquities Authority: Remarkable artifacts seized from antiquities dealers were spoils taken by Bar Kokhba rebels fighting Romans.

In first, remains of Sanhedrin-era building discovered in Yavne

Remains of a building dating from the time of the Sanhedrin are uncovered in Yavne, along with 'impressive' cemetery.

Digging out Israel’s ancient ruins

Archeologist Emily Bischoff Bruintjes came all the way from Minnesota to work and dig for the IAA. This is her story.

11-year-old girl finds rare coin from 2,000 years ago

Coin made from pure silver is uncovered in dirt from City of David. 'Coin is one of the only items we have today from Temple times.'

Spectacular ancient gold ring unearthed in Yavne

Winery and spectacular ancient gold ring with inlay of semi-precious stones unearthed in excavation.

Exclusive Perfume of Cleopatra and the Temple found in Jerusalem

The first-ever depiction of the Balm of Gilead, the exclusive perfume of Cleopatra and the Temple, may have been found in Jerusalem.

‘Quarrymen’s Hill’:

Second Temple period quarry uncovered in Jerusalem

Jerusalem’s ancient quarries were the main source of stones for monumental construction projects in the city, such as the Temple Mount.

An ancient Jewish coin will fly into space

Bar Kokhba takes off to the stars: An ancient Jewish coin from the Bar Kokhba revolt against the Romans to fly with Eytan Stibbe into space.

Rare Byzantine-era gold coin unearthed in central Israel

Evidence of agricultural and industrial activity from 1,500 years ago discovered in Ramat Hasharon.

Magnificent building from Second Temple-period revealed

Recently-developed visitors’ route reveals one of the most magnificent public buildings discovered from Second Temple-period Jerusalem.

Meeting point of modern humans and Neanderthals found in Israel

Research at Boker Tachtit site in Ein Avdat National Park, in Israel’s Negev desert, provides first proof of the two cultures’ coexistence.

1,800-year-old sarcophagi discovered at Ramat Gan Safari Park

Two Roman-era sarcophagi discovered during construction at safari park - after years of being buried under sand and vegetation.

Watch: Youth volunteers discover ancient gold coins

A hoard of 425 pure gold coins from 1,100 years ago uncovered by volunteers during an excavation in central Israel.

Watch: 3,200-year-old fortress discovered in southern Israel

Major archeological find dating back to era of the Judges uncovered near Kiryat Gat. Fortress likely built to repel Philistines, Israelites.

Israel’s most ancient 'soapery' discovered in the Negev

Ancient soap-making workshop uncovered in southern Israel, where olive oil was turned into soap 1,200 years ago.

Prehistoric migration route from Africa passed through Dimona

Evidence of the path of modern humans leaving Africa 100,000 years ago discovered in Dimona.

1,300-year-old church uncovered in northern Israel

Newly-uncovered church hints at importance of Byzantine Christian village, archaeologists say.

Israeli boy discovers ancient tablet during family trip

Six-year-old boy discovers 3,500 tablet during family visit in southern Israel. Tablet is the first of its kind ever found in Israel.

A bolt to take out coronavirus

'Time to clear my conscience, the end of the world is near'

Citizen returns illegally taken catapult 'bolt' to Antiquities Authority - fifteen years after he took it. 'Time to clear my conscience.'

Hundreds of ancient coins found in robber's home

Coins spanning centuries from Persian to Ottoman periods are discovered in the home of a serial 'antiquities robber' in northern Israel.

Archaeologists may have uncovered a 2,000-year-old market

Archaeologists find rare measuring table in what may have been the location of Jerusalem's 2,000-year-old market.

'The Roman menu made its way to the tables of ancient Israel'

Wine and fish sauce: The 2000-year-old culinary preferences of the Romans, revealed in Ashkelon.

Family finds ancient hammer and nails in northern Israel

Family digging at excavation site uncovers 1,400-year-old iron hammer and nails.

What kind of beer did Pharaoh drink?

Team of scientists from Hebrew U, Israel’s Antiquities Authority, Tel Aviv U and Bar-Ilan U create ancient alcohol from ancient yeast.

Ancient Jewish village unearthed in eastern Jerusalem

2,000-year-old Jewish town with ritual baths, olive press, and burial estate, found in eastern Jerusalem.

In honor of Purim:

First 'Bes-Vessel' shard discovered in Jerusalem

Fragment of Persian-era clay jar depicting human face discovered in City of David refuse pit.

Controversy over new tunnel under David's Tomb

Activists protest secret tunnel connecting Christian clergy residence to Church at holy site. 'Israeli authorities doing Vatican's bidding.'

Arabs destroy ancient Jewish village

Arab antiquities robbers caught red-handed destroying ancient Jewish village in northern Israel with a bulldozer. 'The sights are shocking.'

Surprise discovery at museum being constructed in Jaffa

Expansive Ottoman-era soap factory and underground vaults discovered during construction of Uri Geller Museum.

Expert: Archaeological find belonged to rich individual

Watch: In an interview with Arutz Sheva, expert archaeologist explains significance of Hellenstic-era earring and where it was found.

Rare, ancient gold earring found in the City of David

Rare gold earring from Hellenistic era found near Jerusalem's Old City. 'Whoever wore it belonged to Jerusalem‘s upper class.'

Ancient pottery factory unveiled in Israel

Archaeologists discover pottery factory, bathhouses, and pools discovered near central Israeli city.

Earliest evidence of blood vengeance found in Jerusalem's hills

Israeli archaeologists find slashed skull - history's earliest evidence of blood vengeance - in Jerusalem's hills.

Students preparing 'smart trail' uncover ancient oil lamp

Students prepare hiking trail as a gift to the State, uncover ancient oil lamp adorned with a symbol of a menorah.

Families find 1,500-year-old jug during hike in north Israel

Hikers find Byzantine-era jug in northern Israel.

Ancient clay seal found under Western Wall Plaza

Excavations at Western Wall Plaza unearth unique stamped clay from the First Temple Period believed to belong to city governor.

Students unearth 1,500-year-old church and monastery

Monastery may have served as center for pilgrimages, expert says.

Archaeologists discover lost portions of Western Wall Tunnels

Archaeologists discover ancient theater, new stone courses, in Western Wall Tunnels.

Vilna: 17th century ritual baths found near Great Synagogue

After being destroyed in the Holocaust, two pre-war mikvaot are discovered in Vilna.

Rare chalkstone vessel workshop discovered in Israel's north

Excavations in Galilee reveal 2,000 year-old stone vessel quarry and production center, vessels 'highlight pivotal role of ritual purity.'

Report: Ben Gurion airspace restricted during security operation

Israeli media reports defense establishment operation caused numerous flight delays and cancellations. IAA denies airspace was closed.