New archaeological findings from the Bar Kokhba period, over 1,850 years ago, were discovered a few days ago in a cave in the Ein Gedi Nature Preserve just west of the Dead Sea. Two documents written on papyrus, coins, and even remnants of fruits were among the artifacts found in hard-to-reach caves atop mountain cliffs - the destination of choice for many Jewish refugees from the Romans at the time. The documents are now in the Israel Museum, where they must be carefully opened and then analyzed.
Dr. Tzvika Tzuk, Chief Archaeologist of the Nature and Parks Authority, said that the caves served as refuge for the fleeing Jews, "as indicated by what we found there, especially the coins on which we found the name Shimon, who was the leader of the rebellion at the time... We also found arrows, pieces of material, and more..." Regarding the papyruses, Dr. Tzuk said that it's impossible to know what they are until they are opened: "They could be business contracts, marriage documents, or something else; they could have names of places; it's a total riddle, and our curiosity is great." He said that it will be a few weeks before they can be opened.
Dr. Tzvika Tzuk, Chief Archaeologist of the Nature and Parks Authority, said that the caves served as refuge for the fleeing Jews, "as indicated by what we found there, especially the coins on which we found the name Shimon, who was the leader of the rebellion at the time... We also found arrows, pieces of material, and more..." Regarding the papyruses, Dr. Tzuk said that it's impossible to know what they are until they are opened: "They could be business contracts, marriage documents, or something else; they could have names of places; it's a total riddle, and our curiosity is great." He said that it will be a few weeks before they can be opened.