Excavations

Mysterious ancient tunnel discovered near Kibbutz Ramat Rachel

Archaeologists discover massive 50-meter underground passage during excavation for new Jerusalem neighborhood.

Rare find uncovered in Susya

Rare find uncovered in Susya excavation demonstrates integrity of ancient community's residents.

Under Western Wall Plaza:

Mikveh from Second Temple Period discovered

Rock-hewn mikveh uncovered in Jerusalem excavations beneath a destruction layer provides evidence of the events surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem about 2,000 years ago.

Unusual Hanukkah discovery revealed during excavations

Excavations at the Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv reveal a 2,000-year-old lamp - just in time for Hanukkah.

In time for Hanukkah:

Section of Hasmonean-period wall unearthed at Tower of David

Hasmonean-period Jerusalem wall was completed, built in the late 2nd century BCE, and later deliberately destroyed, experts say.

In northern Israel, archaeologists discover earliest winepress

Extraordinary archaeological discoveries, including earliest winepress and evidence of Canaanite folk worship, uncovered near Tel Megiddo in Israel’s north.

First time in Jerusalem:

Assyrian inscription from the First Temple period discovered

Assyrian cuneiform inscription, estimated to be 2,700 years old, offers rare evidence of official correspondence between the Assyrian Empire and the Kingdom of Judah.

Hukok ruins:

Archaeologists discover 22 ancient coins from last Roman revolt

Rare hoard of coins from the days of the last Jewish rebellion under Roman rule discovered in a hidden system in the Galilee.

'For the Redemption of Zion':

Rare coin from the Great Revolt discovered in Jerusalem

Bronze coin minted by Jews in Jerusalem during final year before Second Temple's destruction in 70 CE discovered during excavations in the Jerusalem Archaeological Garden - Davidson Center.

Ancient blade manufacturing workshop uncovered in Kiryat Gat

Advanced flint industry dating back approximately 5,500 years was uncovered, providing first-ever evidence of blade production in southern Israel.

Rare bronze lion head discs found in archaeological excavation

Rare discs evidence of Roman-period burial culture and belief in the afterlife likely graced coffin-carrying handles, attest to the high status of the deceased.

Spectacular, rare Roman sarcophagus uncovered in Caesarea

Newly-uncovered 1,700-year-old marble sarcophagus bears mythological scene of Dionysus and Heracles in a drinking contest.

35 years after discovery:

Gorgeous 1,600-year-old mosaic revealed to the public

Colorful mosaic discovered about 35 years ago south of Kibbutz Urim in the Gaza border region is displayed to the public for the first time, following preservation efforts.

In less than a year:

A second gold ring was discovered in the City of David

Small gold ring, likely belonging to a child living in Jerusalem during the Second Temple period about 2,300 years ago, found in the City of David.

Rare discovery:

1,500 years-old African-style figurines found in Negev graves

Rare burial artifacts at Tel Malḥata reveal Christian-African cultural ties and ancient traditions of identity and memory.

In Yatir Forest excavations:

Ancient, unique clay jug featuring camel decorations unearthed

Ancient clay jug featuring red camel decorations and estimated to be around 1,200 years old discovered in excavations in the Yatir Forest. 'Depiction of camels on the vessel highlights the importance of the animal.'

2,500 years old

Ancient arrowheads from Yemen uncovered in Israel's Negev

Antiquities Authority excavation in southern Israel uncovers ancient grave containing remains of a merchant caravan; researchers believe the caravans traded frankincense and myrrh and possibly women as well.

Rare 1,700-year-old oil lamp discovered in Jerusalem

A rare ceramic oil lamp from the Late Roman period, decorated with depictions of the Temple menorah, incense shovel and lulav (date palm branch used in Jewish ritual), discovered during an Israel Antiquities Authority excavation.

Ancient city discovered in excavations near Beit Shemesh

Newly-discovered 5,000-year-old site - one of the earliest ever found in Israel - played a central role in the Judean Lowlands Early Bronze Age settlement network.

New evidence shows how Sennacherib impacted Judean economy

For the first time: Evidence how Sennacherib’s military campaign impacted the economy in the Kingdom of Judah discovered near Jerusalem.

After years of excavations:

Work begins on accessibility elevator for Western Wall

The excavation of the tunnel for the Western Wall elevator has begun. Herzl Ben-Ari, CEO of the Company for the Development and Renovation of the Jewish Quarter: “We are not just building an elevator, but also bridging two thousand years of history.”

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.

After 2,000 years:

New finds from the drainage channel in Jerusalem

New finds from the 2000-year-old drainage channel in Jerusalem tells the city’s story in the days of the Second Temple from its prosperity until its decay and destruction.

Huge quarry from Second Temple period uncovered in Jerusalem

A huge Second Temple period quarry, one of the largest ever found in Jerusalem, is uncovered during an excavation in the Har Hotzvim industrial area.

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.

Rare 6,000-year-old ivory vessel discovered in southern Israel

Ivory vessel made of elephant tusk, dated to the Chalcolithic period, uncovered in Israel Antiquities Authority excavation near Be'er Sheva.

Discovered in nature reserve:

Rare coin from Bar Kohba Revolt

Rare coin from the time of the Bar Kokhba Revolt, engraved with the name of 'Eleazar the Priest' in ancient Hebrew script, discovered in the Judean Desert; three additional Revolt coins bearing the name Simeon, were also found.

In the City of David:

2,000-year-old rare stone box discovered

Rare enigmatic stone box from the Second Temple period discovered during City of David excavations was used for commercial activity, then burnt – evidence of the destruction of Jerusalem about 2,000 years ago.

Discovered at Tel Megiddo:

1,800-year-old ‘Iron Legion’ Roman legionary base

Architectural remains of the 1,800-year-old Roman VIth ‘Ferrata’ Iron Legion military base uncovered in a recent excavation in northern Israel.

Rare 2,550-year-old silver coin discovered in Judea

Rare coin, among the earliest evidence for the use of coins in the country, discovered in Judean Hills; sheqel weight found in nearby building dates to Kingdom of Judah.

Greetings from King Antiochus:

Researchers find rooftiles from Hanukkah period

The most ancient rooftiles found in Israel were brought during the period Greek Seleucid king Antiochus IV & uncovered in the City of David.

Archeology in Israel:

5500-year-old city gate uncovered

Excavation carried out at Tel Arani in preparation for laying new water pipe reveals ancient 5,500-year-old gate.

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.

Soldiers re-uncover 1,500-year-old convent in military zone

A 1500-year-old convent with a mosaic floor and inscriptions is uncovered for a second time, in a military zone near Shoham, Israel.

Ritual bath used by elite uncovered near Temple Mount

Archaeological excavations near Temple Mount unearth pool built by soldiers from Rome’s 10th Legion, inscribed Byzantine lamp.

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.

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.

Rare Byzantine-era gold coin unearthed in central Israel

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

Watch: Part of street collapses due to illegal Arab excavations

Part of Jerusalem's Old City streets coilapses after Arabs conduct illegal excavations under Al Aqsa Mosque.

Prehistoric migration route from Africa passed through Dimona

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

Seeing the destruction and the hope

If the rocks and ashes, found in excavations at the Kotel and dating to the Temple's destruction, could talk, what would they say?

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

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

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.

Family finds ancient hammer and nails in northern Israel

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

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.

Great-grandpa fought, great-grandson finds bullets

Samaria schoolchildren find Turkish bullets from World War I during excavation field trip.

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.

Relatives of young Holocaust victim to hold first memorial

A girl’s pendant found at Sobibor reunites a Jewish family spread across the globe.

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.'

Ancient water system found near Beit Shemesh

During excavations in preparation for road construction, Antiquities Authority finds Ottoman-era well.

They went to find antiquities, and ended up in jail

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

Remains of medieval Jews buried in Jewish cemetery

400-year-old Jewish remains receive Jewish burial after excavations disturb them.

Ancient coins discovered thanks to Route 1 expansion

Archaeologists discover 1,400-year-old ancient coins during excavations in preparation for Route 1 expansion.

Video: Visit to the Ritual Bath Discovered in Jerusalem

Arutz Sheva TV visits the rare find in Jerusalem: a ritual bath from the Second Temple era.

Rare Second Temple Ritual Purity Pool Discovered in Jerusalem

A rare find in Jerusalem: archaeologists have uncovered a ritual pool from the Second Temple era near a highway construction site.