A rare assemblage of knuckle bones for gaming and divination discovered in the ancient city of Maresha

A rare assemblage of "astragali"—animal knuckle bones used for gaming and divination—dating from the Hellenistic period (2300 years ago) was uncovered by Dr. Ian Stern in the Maresha-Bet Guvrin National Park in the Judean Shefelah in southern Israel. This vast assemblage was published recently for the first time in the British archaeological journal LEVANT by Dr. Lee Perry-Gal of the Israel Antiquities Authority, Prof. Adi Erlich of the Zinman Institute of Archaeology, University of Haifa, Dr. Avner Ecker of the Department of Land of Israel Studies in the University of Bar Ilan, and Dr. Ian Stern of the Nelson Glueck School of Archaeology, Hebrew Union College, Jerusalem. The assemblage was discovered several years ago in the vast underground cave below the ancient city of Maresha.

The "astragali"—knuckle bones of goats, sheep, and cattle—were used similarly to dice for gaming and ritual divination, mainly by women and children. Some of the knuckle bones were shaved down, perforated, or filled with lead, to be thrown more effectively as dice.

Tens of the dice bore Greek inscriptions: some were engraved with the names of gods associated in ancient times with human wishes and desires. Aphrodite, the goddess of fertility, love, and beauty, Eros, the god of love, the god Hermes, the goddess Hera, and Nike, the goddess of victory, appear amongst other gods. On other knuckle bones, game instructions and various game roles are engraved, such as "Robber," "Stop!", "You are burnt," etc.

According to Dr. Lee Perry-Gal, Israel Antiquities Authority zooarchaeologist and research fellow at the University of Haifa, "the assemblage of astragali from Maresha is unique, specifically the large quantity and good quality, and the many inscriptions. The assemblage shows that in ancient times of distress, as today, people sought help from external factors, in magic and spells, and the world of the unknown. In the past, men, especially women, struggled with an environment of uncertainty, death, childbirth, and health issues and tried to protect themselves with the help of magic. In addition, we know that astragali were used for games. It is noteworthy that we have examples of children buried with similar gaming dice. The cubes, which were a popular gaming activity, had a role in accompanying children to the next world, to be used there". Perry-Gal adds, "Since the astragali symbolize good luck, it was customary to inter them under the house threshold, in the hope that they will bring good luck and prosperity.

"It is of interest that these knuckle bones are often found next to ostraca (pottery sherds with writing inscribed or written in ink), which bore Aramaic texts, such as, 'Magical incantation,' or 'If you do so, this will happen to you., which demonstrates their cultic role.

According to Dr. Perry-Gal, "The Hellenistic city of Maresha was one of the period's melting-pots in the southern Levant. "Different populations and cultures lived side-by-side here as neighbors, all subordinate to the Hellenistic rule. Edomites, Phoenicians, Nabateans, and Jews lived here, and the different peoples and cultures influenced each other."

According to Eli Escusido, Director-General of the Israel Antiquities Authority, "This fascinating research sheds light on the life and customs in the ancient world and reminds us that people are regular people all over the world. They dream and hope, and notwithstanding the harshness of daily life, they find time for playing and leisure."  

Archaeological evidence for the location of the Roman ballista firing machines

The new computer-based research of Israel Antiquities Authority archaeologist Kfir Arbiv provided ballistic calculations from the 2000-year-old battleground including the intensity of the assault in the battles that led to the destruction of the Second Temple.

“The Temple was destroyed in 70 CE, after a four-month siege and an intensive battle led by the Roman general Titus to conquer the city and suppress the revolt initiated by the Jews four years earlier. The Romans had a well-trained massive army equipped with the best military innovations of their day. It was a ruthless war machine, “ says Israel Antiquities Authority researcher Kfir Arbiv.

Arbiv systematically recorded Roman military equipment retrieved in excavations in Jerusalem, many of which were found in the excavations he directed, together with Dr. Rina Avner, in the Russian Compound adjacent to the Jerusalem Municipality building. The Roman Arsenal exposed to date includes hundreds of different-sized ballista stones launched from sophisticated bolt-throwing machines to a distance of 100–400 m, small sling stones used by trained infantry, and catapult machines launched spearheads for a distance of 150–200 m. Spears, swords, and arrowheads, including heavy arrowheads that could penetrate armor.

“We know from the historical sources that the Roman army employed massive siege rams to batter the fortification walls and siege towers that reached the height of the walls, but these have not yet been found in Jerusalem,” says Amit Reem, director of Israel Antiquities Authority Jerusalem Region.

Arbiv’s research focused on the hundreds of ballista stones, and his analysis defined different sizes and weights. Some, directed against people, were launched against the walls to prevent the Jewish rebels from emerging above the walls. Other heavier ones were thrown fiercely against the walls to penetrate them.

According to Arbiv, “With the help of the computer, I located all the ballista exactly where they were found. I took into account the local topography and the location of the Second Temple-period city fortification walls, and I made ballistic calculations, including the launching angle and the throwing distance of the stones. All the data was compared to the renowned Jewish historian Josephus’ contemporary detailed descriptions of the battle, and the conquest and destruction of Jerusalem, in his book, ‘The History of the Jewish War against the Romans.”   

According to the research, some Roman army artillery machines were located in the center of the modern city of Jerusalem, in the Nahalat Hashiva area, nicknamed ‘Cats’ Square.’ The research also shows the probable pots where the Roman army penetrated the city for the first time. The Russian Compound excavations exposed part of the Third Wall, the third line of defense surrounding the city. An immense concentration of ballista stones was found at one point, some broken after use. It was evident that the Roman army concentrated their efforts here, and hundreds, if not thousands of ballista stones, were directed to this spot. “This is not surprising,” says Arbiv, “as whoever controls this spot dominates the whole area and the city's fate. This aligns with Josephus’ account that Titus commanded to penetrate the city from the northwestern side of the city wall.”

According to Eli Escusido, Director-General of the Israel Antiquities Authority, “the physical evidence of the huge resources employed by the Roman army in Jerusalem reflects the extremely harsh battles that eventually led to the destruction of the Second Temple. Notwithstanding the internal factions and the impossible odds, a small group of Jewish defenders withheld the Romans for a few months until the tragic destruction of the city. The use of up-to-date research methods reveals more and more about the fascinating history of Jerusalem.”

A 1500-year-old convent with a mosaic floor and inscriptions re-uncovered in a military zone near Shoham, Israel

Over the past month, dozens of soldiers re-uncovered a 1500-year-old nuns’ convent complex at Horbat Hani, in the low foothills east of Shoham, after a small area of the site located within a military zone was accidentally damaged by the army. The activity took place in the framework of the army educational project initiated by the Israel Antiquities Authority: ”The Nature Defense Forces Project: Officers Take Responsibility for the Environment.”

The Byzantine convent was first excavated twenty years ago by Dr. Uzi Dahari and Dr. Yehiel Zelinger of the Israel Antiquities Authority. It was subsequently covered up to protect it. It is now visible again, thanks to the project carried out with the soldiers.

According to Issy Kornfeld, Director of the excavation on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, “Recently, a small part of the ancient ecclesiastical site was damaged in the course of army activities in the military zone. In this context, the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Nature Defense Forces program initiated an educational project, whereby this impressive site was re-opened and cleaned up under the guidance of the Israel Antiquities Authority Community Educational Centre.” Kornfeld continues, “In the original excavation, two buildings were uncovered, one of which was a church paved with a colorful mosaic depicting faunal and vegetal scenes, an entrance hall, the nuns’ dormitories, hermit cells, a tower with rooms, and a crypt, an underground burial complex. The other building included a kitchen, a refectory (dining hall), and an inn for pilgrims.”

There was evidence that the convent preserved a tradition related to women. Dr. Eitan Klein, an archaeologist at the Israel Antiquities Authority, proposed that the convent at Horbat Hani may have commemorated the burial place of the biblical Hannah, the wife of Elkanah. The latter was childless and gave birth to a son, the prophet Samuel after she vowed to dedicate him to the service of God.

According to Kornfeld, “As often in the ancient world, the convent was erected here, commemorating an ancient tradition, possibly of the burial place of Hannah, mother of the prophet Samuel.” The original excavation also uncovered a few female skeletons, possibly of women who sought to be buried in proximity to the sanctified figure of Hannah.

Guy Saly, director of the IDF Nature Defense Forces Project: ”The excavation is an example of officers taking responsibility for the environment and carrying out a meaningful activity, exposing and conserving the ancient site—archaeologists together with officers and soldiers who are the citizens of tomorrow—thus enabling us to experience and connect with our country’s heritage. The soldiers and the offices enjoyed the hands-on archaeological work, and we hope that the joint activities protecting the archaeological sites will continue in the future.”

Eli Escusido,  Director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, says, “The joint IAA initiative with the IDF Nature Defense Forces Project creates an opportunity for every soldier and army officer. The adoption of archaeological sites in army bases and military zones, and the creation of archaeological exhibitions in army bases, further consolidate the strong connection between the defense of the State of Israel and the protection of the ancient sites and our cultural inheritance.”

Spectacular rare coin depicting the moon goddess was discovered off the Carmel coast

An exceptionally well-preserved spectacular rare bronze coin was recently recovered from the seabed during an underwater archaeological survey conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority off the Carmel coast at Haifa.
The coin was minted under the emperor Antoninus Pius (138–161 CE) in Alexandria, Egypt. The reverse depicts the zodiac sign Cancer beneath a portrait of the moon goddess Luna. The coin bears the date ‘Year eight,’ the eighth year of Antoninus Pius’s rule, or 144/145 CE. It belongs to a series of thirteen coins, twelve depicting the different signs of the zodiac and another the complete zodiac wheel.”

According to Israel Antiquities Authority Maritime Archaeology Unit director Jacob Sharvit, “This is the first time such a coin has been discovered off Israel’s coast, and it is a rare addition to the National Treasures collection. Israel’s Mediterranean shores and waters have yielded many archaeological sites and finds that attest to connections in antiquity between Mediterranean ports and the countries along it. These finds, which were lost at sea and disappeared from sight for hundreds and thousands of years, have been remarkably well preserved; some are extremely rare and their discovery completes parts of the historical puzzle of the country’s past.”  

The coin was discovered during a survey conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority to locate, document, research, and preserve antiquities sites and ancient finds—cultural assets that are endangered by accelerated marine development.

According to Israel Antiquities Authority’s Director, Eli Escusido, “In the last decade, the State of Israel has changed its perception of the sea. Rather than marking the country’s border, the sea is now recognized as an integral part of its cultural heritage, in addition to security considerations and strategic and economic concerns. Israel’s territorial waters contain natural resources and cultural assets that must be explored and protected in light of different interests and potential development. The maritime survey off Haifa is part of this process. The rare coin recovered during the survey is a vivid reminder of the importance of the survey.” 

Interestingly, the ruler who minted the coin, Antoninus Pius, was a Roman emperor whole ruled between 138 and 161 CE. Unlike his predecessors, he was not a military man and never participated in battle. His reign was the quietest during the whole of the Roman Empire and marked the height of the period of ‘Roman peace’ (Pax Romana) throughout the empire. Antoninus had a different approach to running the Roman Empire, preferring to deal with any foreign crises through provincial governors; in fact, he never left Rome himself. He encouraged and initiated the construction of temples, theaters, and magnificent mausoleums and promoted science and philosophy.

During his rule, the empire’s relations with the Jews were greatly improved, the decrees of Hadrian were revoked, and Jews were allowed to practice circumcision. These steps led to amicable relations between the emperor and Rabbi Yehuda ha-Nasi. 

Magnificent 1700-year-old Mosaic Returns Home to Lod, Israel

Shelby White & Leon Levy Lod Mosaic Archaeological Center Inaugurated Today in Lod

New visitors’ center to display a breathtaking mosaic some 1,700 years old and among the world’s most beautiful.

A dedication ceremony was held today, June 27, 2022, in the presence of Ms. Shelby White, Lod Mayor Adv. Yair Revivo, Israel Antiquities Authority Director-General Eli Eskozido, and numerous dignitaries.  

After years on display in the world’s most important museums, including the Metropolitan Museum in New York, the Louvre in Paris, the Altes Museum in Berlin, the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, and others, the breathtaking Lod Mosaic – among the most beautiful discovered in Israel or anywhere in the world, and part of the floor of a late 3rd-early 4th-century villa -- has returned to Lod and will be on public display, beginning this summer.

Today (Monday, June 27th), the Lod Municipality and the Israel Antiquities Authority inaugurated the Shelby White & Leon Levy Lod Mosaic Archaeological Center in the presence of donor Ms. Shelby White and representatives of the Leon Levy Foundation. Also participating in the event were senior representatives of the Antiquities Authority, the Ministry of Tourism, the Lod Municipality, and other dignitaries.

The Donor, Ms. Shelby White: “From the moment Leon and I saw this historic mosaic, we knew how important it was for the town of Lod and the world, and what it would do to make Lod a cultural center. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of the restoration of the mosaic and the creation of this museum. Being here is a dream come true.”

Lod Mayor, Adv. Leon Revivo: “Some 26 years since it was discovered in 1996, we have reached this great day as we inaugurate the Shelby White & Leon Levy Lod Mosaic Archaeological Center, a source of local pride and a link to the timeless history of Lod – among the oldest cities in the world! Our dream for this city – itself a mosaic of cultures -- is being realized today right before our eyes as we dedicate this most important museum, placing Lod on the world tourism map. We will enable people from around the country and the world to view this amazing treasure here in its original location, exactly where it was found. I want to thank Eli Eskozido, Director-General of the Antiquities Authority, his predecessors, Yehoshua (Shuka) Dorfman of Blessed Memory and Yisrael Hasson, and their staff for their tremendous dedication to this project, and for accompanying it throughout. And special thanks to our dear donor, Ms. Shelby White.”

Eli Escusido, Director-General of the Israel Antiquities Authority: “Today, after years of effort, the final piece of the Lod Mosaic project has been put in place, with the dedication of this visitors’ center. This is a thrilling milestone for the Antiquities Authority, whose experts uncovered, preserved, and promoted the public display of this amazing mosaic. I wish to thank the Lod Municipality and the driving force behind this project – our donor Shelby White -- without whom the Lod Mosaic wouldn’t have returned home. There’s no place else in Israel that displays and tells the story of such a wonderful mosaic in such a special way!”

About the Mosaic

The Lod Mosaic was discovered in 1996 by Israel Antiquities archaeologist Miriam Avissar of Blessed Memory during an archaeological dig prior to the expansion of He’Chalutz Street. It stems from the Roman period – the end of the 3rd century or the beginning of the 4th century CE. Due to the lack of funds to preserve and develop the site for display, the mosaic was re-covered at the conclusion of the excavations. Then, in 2009, the Antiquities Authority, through the generosity of the Leon Levy Foundation and Shelby White, acquired funding for its renewed exposure and preservation and returned it to the site as an archaeological center open to the general public.

Unusual in its quality, construction, contents, and state of preservation, the mosaic once served as the foyer floor of a villa in a wealthy Lod neighborhood from the Roman and Byzantine eras. It is about 17 meters long and about 9 meters wide and comprises colorful surfaces depicting fruits, mammals, birds, fish, flora, and even sailing vessels. Its design was influenced by that of North African mosaics. It’s interesting to note that, unlike other mosaics from that era, it includes no depictions of people. During the construction of the Mosaic Center, the Antiquities Authority discovered an additional colored mosaic that was part of the villa’s courtyard. It was also included in the Center as part of the visitors’ experience.

The mosaic is located in northeastern Lod, adjacent to the Ginton Junction, making it easily accessible from Ben-Gurion airport and two major highways – Route 1 between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and Route 6, linking northern and southern Israel. Its proximity to national traffic arteries will make it a national attraction, placing it on the tourism map along with several of the city’s other historical sites.

The mosaic will be on display for the general public, enabling visitors to see and experience it from various angles while teaching them about Lod’s history, archaeology, and mosaic preservation as they enjoy its unique beauty. The new visitors’ center will strengthen the connection of Lod residents to their city’s important historical legacy. This is a unique project, a world-class exhibit of an important find in its original location within a modern structure that honors and recalls the villa in which it once rested.

Luxurious Estate and Mosque, Among the Earliest Known (More Than 1200 Years Old), Uncovered in the City of Rahat in the Negev

The mosque – the second of its kind, joins another that was uncovered in 2019 in excavations of the Israel Antiquities Authority * The excavations in Rahat – initiated by the Authority for Development and Settlement of the Bedouin in the Negev, shed light on the beginnings of Islam in the Southern Levant.

 A luxurious estate and a rare rural mosque – among the earliest known worldwide (over 1200 years old) were recently discovered in the city of Rahat in the Negev. Large-scale archaeological excavations conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority to facilitate the construction of a new neighborhood in Rahat, underwritten by the Authority for Development and Settlement of the Bedouin in the Negev, provide graphic details of the gradual transition from Christianity to Islam that took place in the seventh to ninth centuries CE.

The excavations, directed by Oren Shmueli, Dr. Elena Kogan-Zehavi, and Dr. Noe David Michael on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, revealed buildings with Christian and Early Islamic characteristics close to one another. "We uncovered a farmhouse of the Byzantine period that apparently housed Christian farmers and included a fortified tower and rooms with strong walls surrounding a courtyard. On a nearby hilltop, we found estates constructed completely differently; these were built about a hundred years later, in the late seventh to ninth centuries – the Early Islamic period. The estate buildings, apparently built by Muslims, were constructed with lines of rooms next to large, open courtyards. Many of the clay-lined ovens in the rooms and courtyards were probably used for cooking food. The walls of these buildings were relatively thin and apparently supported mudbrick walls that have not survived." An early rural mosque, excavated in the vicinity in 2019 by Shahar Tzur and Dr. Jon Seligman on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, and the first of its kind, provided proof of the inhabitants' identity. 

In the recent, renewed excavations, archaeologists were surprised to discover yet another rural mosque of the seventh – eighth centuries CE. The mosque includes a square room and a wall facing the direction of Mecca (qibla), the holy city of Islam. A niche shaped in a half-circle is located along the center of the wall pointing southwards (mihrab). These unique architectural features show that the building was used as a mosque. The mosque stands alone on the site and could have been used by several dozen Muslim worshippers, most likely local inhabitants, for prayers.

The mosque is about 400 meters south of a luxurious estate building constructed around a central courtyard. It includes halls with stone pavement, some paved with marble, and walls decorated with frescos painted in red and yellow. Remains of fine tableware and glass vessels, some illustrated with drawings of plants and animals, which were revealed in the building, manifest the wealth of its inhabitants.

According to researchers from the Israel Antiquities Authority, "The evidence from all of the excavation areas gathered so far: the dwellings, the houses of prayer, the ovens and utensils, sheds light on the beginnings of the historical process that took place in the northern Negev with the introduction of a new religion – the religion of Islam, and new rulership and culture in the region. These were gradually established, inheriting the earlier Byzantine government and the Christian faith that held sway over the land for hundreds of years.

According to the Director-General of the Israel Antiquities Authority, Eli Escusido, "The important largescale excavation in Rahat contributes to our knowledge, and that of the residents of the city of Rahat, who, together with the Authority for Development and Settlement of the Bedouin in the Negev, will be rewarded with the integration of unique finds in the development of the city – the ancient next to the modern – as in the words of King Solomon: "One generation comes and another passes away, and the earth abides forever."

A New Segment of the Low-Level Aqueduct to Jerusalem uncovered

The aqueduct was the primary source of water supply to Jerusalem consecutively for 2000 years.

A segment of the low-level aqueduct to Jerusalem has been exposed over the last few weeks in the neighborhood of Armon Hanatsiv in a joint project of the Israel Antiquities Authority with the Jerusalem Municipality and the Moriah Jerusalem Development Corporation.

Winding along a 21 km route from Solomon’s Pools, south of Bethlehem, to the Temple Mount, this ingenious water system initiated by the Hasmonean kings to increase the water supply to Jerusalem astounds us to this very day. The aqueducts were used until approximately 100 years ago, during the British Mandate 100 years ago, when the invention of electric pumps replaced them.

According to Ya’akov Billig of the Israel Antiquities Authority, “two aqueducts—the low-level and high-level aqueducts—brought water from Solomon’s Pools, located between Bethlehem and Efrat, to Jerusalem. It amazes us to think how they managed in antiquity to make the accurate measurements of elevation along with such a long distance, choosing the route along the mountainous terrain and calculating the necessary gradient, all without the modern, sophisticated instruments we have today.”

Presently, segments of the low-level aqueduct are being uncovered under Alkachi street in the Armon Hanatsiv, in an excavation directed by Alexander Wiegmann of the Israel Antiquities Authority. Conservation experts will preserve the aqueduct and other archaeological finds for future public exhibitions following the excavations.

2100-Year-Old Agricultural Farmstead uncovered next to Nahal Arbel in Eastern Galilee

The discoveries, including agricultural implements, storage jars, and tens of weaving loom weights, shed light on little-known activity in this area in the Hasmonean Period

A well-preserved 2100-year-old, Hellenistic Hasmonean period agricultural farmstead containing finds that may have been abandoned in haste was uncovered at Horbat Assad next to Nahal Abel in Eastern Galilee. Excavations carried out by the Israel Antiquities Authority before the Mekorot Company project to transfer desalinated water to the Kinneret uncovered tens of loom weights used for weaving garments, large ceramic storage vessels, and iron agricultural implements, including various picks and scythes. The coins retrieved date the farmstead to the second half of the second century BCE.

The excavation was financed with the assistance of Mekorot to promote the NIS 910 million Northern Carrier project under a government resolution. Its objective is to carry desalinated water to the basin to maintain the water level and anchor a continuous water supply for households, agriculture, and neighboring countries.

According to Dr. Amani Abu-Hamid, Director of the excavation on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, "We were fortunate to discover a time-capsule, frozen in time, in which the finds remained where the occupants of the site left them, and it seems that they left in haste in the face of impending danger, possibly the threat of a military attack. The weaving loom weights were still on the shelf, and the storage jars were intact. We know from the historical sources that in this period, the Judean Hasmonean Kingdom expanded into Galilee, and it is possible that the farmstead was abandoned in the wake of these events. More research is required to determine the identity of the inhabitants of the site."

In addition, the foundations of buildings, pottery vessels, and other finds dating to the Iron Age, the 10-9th centuries BCE, were uncovered.

VP Development and Customers Department at Mekorot, Avi Malul: "Mekorot's development work in coordination with the Israel Antiquities Authority is already in the general planning stage. The Antiquities Authority's work at the site is for the strategic project to transport surplus water from the desalination plants in central Israel to the north and Kinneret."

Eli Escusido, Director-General of the Israel Antiquities Authority: "This interesting and significant find came to light in the excavation carried out before the implementation of the Mekorot water project. The Israel Antiquities Authority and Mekorot cooperate to preserve the farmstead, at the site itself or in the immediate vicinity."

Approximately 1800 coins, cuneiform tablets and ancient rings recovered in an antiquities raid

This week, approximately 1800 ancient coins, pieces of jewelry and seals, clay cuneiform tablets, and an ancient bronze figurine were seized from the home of a Modiin resident, thwarting an antiquities dealer’s plan to sell the objects abroad. Among the recovered items are ancient coins from the Persian Period, the time of the Hasmoneans, and the time of the Great Revolt, including a coin with the name “Simon,” the leader of the Bar Kokhbva rebellion.

During the search, conducted by the inspectors of the IAA’s Antiquities Theft Prevention Unit with the assistance of the Modiin Police Department, fresh earth was discovered on some of the coins and objects, indicating that these objects were removed from antiquity sites illegally. “It is heartbreaking to think about the many antiquity sites which were destroyed for the monetary gain of merchants selling valuables of our heritage,” says lan Haddad of the Israel Antiquities Authority.  “We are talking about our collective history, and it will be impossible to reconstruct.”

The coins recovered date to different periods: silver coins from the Hellenistic Period, bronze coins from the Roman Period, and Jewish coins from many periods—Persian, Second Temple, Hasmonaean Kingdom, Great Revolt, and the Bar Kokhbva rebellion. During the raid, an extraordinary Jewish silver coin of the silver “sheqel” type from the days of the Great Revolt (67 CE) was discovered in a work room in the state of being cleaned. On one side of the coin appears the inscription “Jerusalem the Holy” decorated with a cluster of three pomegranates. On the other side of the coin, the inscription “Sheqel of Israel Year 2” appears above a goblet decoration.

In another room in the house, dozens of coins in mailing envelopes addressed to recipients were found being readied for mailing abroad. According to Haddad, “The operation by the IAA Antiquities Theft Prevention Unit jointly with the Modiin police enabled thwarting the smuggling of the ancient objects from Israel to foreign markets. The suspect admitted to illegal dealings in smuggling hundreds of coins out of Israel and purchasing coins from robbers and merchants operating illegally.

According to Eli Escusido, Director-General of the Israel Antiquities Authority, “The inspectors of the IAA struggle day and night with the phenomena of robbery of antiquities and illegal trading in antiquities. The ancient finds belong to the State and the public; a unique story about the history and heritage of the country can be learned from each and every coin. Traders who are not authorized in antiquities and acquire coins from robbers and thieves encourage the theft of antiquities that are torn away from their historical context. The IAA will continue its operation with the cooperation of additional enforcement groups to prevent the illegal antiquities trade.”

The Jerusalem Elite in the Kingdom of Judah Preferred Wine with Touches of Vanilla

Researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Israel Antiquities Authority examined jars unearthed during excavations in the City of David National Park. They were surprised to find remnants of the exotic spice from 2600 years ago. The researchers: "The discovery of vanilla fantastically illustrates which luxury products came here - possibly from India and its surroundings, thanks to Jerusalem sitting on the international trade route."

A surprising discovery in the City of David has been discovered: A new study by the Israel Antiquities Authority and Tel Aviv University reveals that wine jars from the end of the First Temple Period, bearing the symbol of the trade from the Kingdom of Judah, remnants of vanilla spice were found - the luxurious spice, which came to Israel from afar.

The wine jars, dating to the days of King Zedekiah - the end of the kingdom's glory days, were discovered inside storage rooms of buildings in two different archeological excavations in the City of David in the National Park. One excavation, conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority, is located on the eastern slopes of the City of David hill. Another excavation, under the joint management of the Israel Antiquities Authority and Tel Aviv University, was conducted in the Givati ​​Parking Lot, west of the hill.

The two buildings unearthed in the excavations were destroyed in the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BCE, and the jars were discovered smashed inside the rooms under a collapsed building. A new study, published in recent days in the prestigious scientific journal Plos One, published the results of unique chemical tests that identified the remnants of molecules that have been preserved in the tiny spaces on the side of the pottery vessel.

The study examined eight jars from both buildings, and in all of them, clear evidence was found for wine storage.

However, what surprised the researchers were organic residues, which indicate that the wine was enriched with vanilla - an exotic and valuable spice, until recently, was not known to be available to the Old World before the arrival of Columbus. Ayala Amir identified the remains of the contents of the jars, a doctoral student in the Department of Archeology and Ancient Near Eastern Cultures at Tel Aviv University, who conducted the research in the laboratories at the Weizmann Institute and Bar-Ilan University: "Vanilla markers are an unusual find, especially in light of the fire that occurred in the buildings where the jars were found. The results of the analysis of the organic residues allow me to say with confidence that the jars contained wine and that it was seasoned with vanilla."

The discovery of vanilla is related to an international trade route that crossed the Negev during the 7th century BCE, initially - under the auspices of the Assyrian Empire and later - probably under their heirs - the Egyptians and possibly even the Babylonians.

According to Ortal Chalaf and Dr. Joe Uziel, the Directors of the Excavation on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, who uncovered the group of jars on the eastern slopes of the City of David Hill: "The opportunity to combine innovative scientific studies examining the contents of jars opened a window for us, to find out what they ate - and in this case - what they drank in Jerusalem, on the eve of the destruction."

The excavation of Prof. Yuval Gadot and Dr. Yiftah Shalev in the Givati ​​Parking Lot in the City of David revealed the second set of jars, where an impressive two-story surviving building was uncovered that may have served as a bureau of senior officials in the kingdom. The easternmost room on the ground floor was probably used as the wine cellar of the building. More than 15 jars and several other vessels for storing liquids were found in it, one of them massive. "The room was so crowded that it was hard to understand how people could move inside it," the researchers say.

On the handles of some of the jars, a seal impression in the shape of a rosette appeared, indicating that the jar and its contents were part of the royal administration of the Kingdom of Judah. The number of jars and impressions on them indicate the economic importance of wine and the drinking culture as a tool for expressing status and power. On the importance of the wine-drinking ceremony in the local culture, one can learn from the rebuke of the prophet Amos about "the complacent in Zion ... You lie on beds adorned with ivory and lounge on your couches.... You drink wine by the bowlful" (Amos 6: 1-7). Social events and ceremonies combining wine drinking were also every day in many other cultures: Evidence of them can be found, for example, in the Greek symposium ceremonies - or the Eastern empires, such as the Ahasuerus feast, mentioned in the Book of Esther. "Drinks were served in gold goblets of many designs, and the royal wine was abundant, reflecting the king's generosity." (Esther 1: 7).

Examination of the contents of the jars revealed that some of them had been reused several times since, in some of them, remnants of olive oil molecules were also discovered. These findings indicate the complexity of the economic system and the advanced mechanism for collection and redistribution.

According to Prof. Yuval Gadot of Tel Aviv University and Dr. Yiftah Shalev of the Israel Antiquities Authority: "To date, we have not had direct evidence of the use made of such jars. Some suggested wine or olive oil, but there was no direct evidence of the vessels themselves. Molecular analysis now allows us to expand the boundaries of knowledge and imagination. Now, we begin to piece together the jar puzzle. The wine, perhaps, is not a big surprise, but the fact that it is seasoned with vanilla is amazing. "

According to Eli Escusido, Director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, "The terrific cooperation between the Israel Antiquities Authority and Tel Aviv University brought us on a tray - or in this case, a goblet - information about the drinking habits of the nobles of Jerusalem, in the days when the First Temple stood. New scientific tools continue to contribute new information to the study of the past, even after many years of archaeological research in the city."