News and updates about IAA

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.

Bar Kokhba revolt-period hiding complex revealed

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.

What was the function of the discovered installation?

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.

Youth leader uncovers 'magical mirror' at archaeological site

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.

Airport is strategic; it shouldn't host demonstrations

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.

Artifact bearing name of Ahasuerus's father is not authentic

An unexpected greeting from an admired Swiss National hero

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

An unexpected greeting from an admired Swiss National hero

'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.

'Shema Yisrael' pendants discovered in Sobibor excavations

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.

Jerusalem elite suffered from disease in First Temple era

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Digging out Israel’s ancient ruins

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.'

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

Spectacular ancient gold ring unearthed in Yavne

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

Spectacular ancient gold ring unearthed in Yavne

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.

Exclusive Perfume of Cleopatra and the Temple 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.

Second Temple period quarry uncovered in Jerusalem

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.

An ancient Jewish coin will fly 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.

Rare Byzantine-era gold coin unearthed in central Israel

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.

Magnificent building from Second Temple-period revealed

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.

Meeting point of modern humans and Neanderthals found in Israel

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.

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

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: Youth volunteers discover ancient gold coins

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.

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

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.

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

Prehistoric migration route from Africa passed through Dimona

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

Prehistoric migration route from Africa passed through Dimona

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

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

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

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.

Israeli boy discovers ancient tablet during family trip

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.'

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

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.

Hundreds of ancient coins found in robber's home

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.

Archaeologists may have uncovered a 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.

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

Family finds ancient hammer and nails in northern Israel

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

Family finds ancient hammer and nails in northern Israel

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.

What kind of beer did Pharaoh drink?

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.

Ancient Jewish village unearthed 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.

First 'Bes-Vessel' shard discovered in Jerusalem

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.'

Controversy over new tunnel under David's Tomb

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.'

Arabs destroy ancient Jewish village

Surprise discovery at museum being constructed in Jaffa

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

Surprise discovery at museum being constructed in Jaffa

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.

Expert: Archaeological find belonged to rich individual

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.'

Rare, ancient gold earring found in the City of David

Ancient pottery factory unveiled in Israel

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

Ancient pottery factory unveiled in Israel

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.

Earliest evidence of blood vengeance found 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.

Students preparing 'smart trail' uncover ancient oil lamp

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

Hikers find Byzantine-era jug in northern Israel.

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

Ancient clay seal found under Western Wall Plaza

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

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

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

Archaeologists discover lost portions of Western Wall Tunnels

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

Archaeologists discover lost portions of 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.

Vilna: 17th century ritual baths found near Great Synagogue

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.'

Rare chalkstone vessel workshop discovered in Israel's north

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.

Report: Ben Gurion airspace restricted during security operation

The dyes of the kings of Israel

New study reveals earliest known plant-based dyes in Israel, dating back to the reign of Kings David and Solomon.

The dyes of the kings of Israel

They went to find antiquities, and ended up in jail

Authorities arrest three Arabs illegally searching Lower Galilee site for archaeological finds.

They went to find antiquities, and ended up in jail

British victim of Jerusalem stabbing mourned

Hebrw University, Israel Antiquities Authority offer condolences to family of student murdered on Jerusalem light rail.

British victim of Jerusalem stabbing mourned

Students unearth 2000-year old Jewish town to fund Poland trip

Students at Jerusalem's Boyar High School participate in archaeological excavations to help fund their trip to Poland's concentration camps.

Students unearth 2000-year old Jewish town to fund Poland trip

Hundreds of WWI liquor bottles found near Ramla

Excavations prior to the construction of Highway 200 expose liquor bottles belonging to British soldiers from World War I.

Hundreds of WWI liquor bottles found near Ramla

Arabs caught looting archaeological site

Supervisors spot three Arab infiltrators digging illegally for ancient treasure.

Arabs caught looting archaeological site

'They're stealing our history!'

Arab tomb raiders caught in the act, pillaging an ancient Jewish burial ground.

'They're stealing our history!'

Israeli archaeologists restore marble seal of Ottoman sultan

Archaeologists have restored the original marble seal on the landmark Jaffa Clock Tower.

Israeli archaeologists restore marble seal of Ottoman sultan

Morning jogger discovers 900 year-old lamp

Ancient lamp washed up on shore in Ashkelon. 'It’s really exciting. You just feel a part of history. You can touch what was here long ago.'

Morning jogger discovers 900 year-old lamp

A 2,140-year-old find

Rare Jewish treasure from Hasmonean period unearthed

Estate that fought Romans reveals ancient heroism, silver coin collection, bronze coins proclaiming: 'Freedom of Zion.'

Rare Jewish treasure from Hasmonean period unearthed

Watch: National plan to save Dead Sea Scrolls from thieves

Israel Antiquities Authority launches a national plan for comprehensive archaeological excavations in the Judean Desert caves.

Watch: National plan to save Dead Sea Scrolls from thieves