Israel Antiquities Authority

Rare half-shekel coin used in biblical census count discovered by archaeologists in Judean Desert

The survey is an ongoing project by the IAA meant to protect archaeological sites in the Judean Desert from looting and unauthorized excavations.

Rare half-shekel coin discovered in Judean Desert by the Israel Antiquities Authority, February 26, 2026.
Ancient Crusader sword, dated to the 12th century CE, discovered off of Israel's Dor Beach in northern Israel, February 22, 2026.

University of Haifa student discovers 12th century Crusader sword off of Israel’s northern coast

Newly discovered limestone shards and vessels on display in the new "Criminal Past" exhibit at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel, February 16, 2026.

Second Temple workshop found on Israel's Mount Scopus during investigation into antiquities thieves

An 8th century stone seal believed to have belong to a high-ranking official of the biblical Kingdom of Judah. The inscription reads: “Belonging to Makhach (son of) Amihai." Picture released on February 12, 2026.

Stone seal from biblical Kingdom of Judea discovered during construction in northern Israel


Ancient Roman-era marble cargo shipwreck found by Israeli beachgoer

The cargo shipment of marble items had been known to the Israel Antiquities Authority for years, but because it was covered in sand, its exact location was unknown.

 A marble Corinthian column capital is seen on the sea floor off the coast of Israel.

Antiquities robbers caught red-handed looting Roman-era caves

The site in question contained artifacts that are approximately 2,000 years old, dating back to the Roman-Byzantine era, according to the IAA.

 The "Einat Shuim" archeological site in northern Israel near the village of Ein Mahal.

Grape pips found in the Negev dated to 8th century may be the oldest of its kind worldwide

Israeli and European archaeologists provide new insight into the mystery of ancient Gaza wine

 Grape seeds, also known as "pips"

Archaeologists uncover Roman-era church mosaic along Israel Nat'l Trail

The mosaic was first discovered in the 80s but has been uncovered over the last month by the Israel Antiquities Authority and Shoham residents.

Close-up of the flower decorations on the mosaic.

Security forces thwart illegal antiquity trade in West Bank

About 270 ancient artifacts were found in the search, including gold, silver and bronze coins from different periods.

  Items recovered from a raid in the West Bank in March 2023.

Israel Antiquities Authority must rein in enthusiasm before its next find - editorial

The Israel Antiquities Authority must curb its enthusiasm and double and triple check its archaeological findings before publication

 The Darius inscription.

Israel artifact bearing name of King Darius the Great revealed to be fake

The forged "artifact" was discovered earlier this week after a foreign researcher left it behind at the excavation site last summer.

 The Darius inscription.

Inscription bearing Persian King Darius the Great's name discovered in Israel

Darius the Great is the father of King Ahasuerus, also known as the biblical Achashverosh from the story of Purim • Discovery was made by the international media adviser to President Isaac Herzog

 The Darius inscription.

Israeli family discovers ancient Byzantine relic on Shabbat walk

According to a release from the Israel Antiquities Authority, the family noticed a small clay face in the ground, which appeared to be looking up at them.

The candle handle that was discovered in the Tzur Yaakov hills, the Antiquities Authority.

Israel to excavate City of David's historical Pool of Siloam

The Pool of Siloam was part of Jerusalem's water system during the time of the Temple and the reign of King Hezekiah.

 Northern perimeter of the Pool of Siloam.