Israel Antiquities Authority

Heritage Minister taps INEXTG CEO Esther Shreiber for next IAA director, first woman in role

Her appointment will soon be submitted for approval by the IAA’s council and the government. 

INEXTG CEO Esti Shrieber, tapped to be the next director of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).
Hasmonean-era coin depicted the seven-branched menorah (L) and silver tetradrachm minted in Ashkelon during the Persian period (R) which were returned to Israel from the United States earlier this week, May 13, 2026.

US returns two rare, ancient coins to Israel following joint antiquities theft investigation

An Israeli flag is raised on the peak of Mount Sartaba in the Jordan Valley, February 23, 2026.

Knesset advances in first reading bill to form Israeli antiquities authority in West Bank

Eight-year-old Dor Wolynitz with the over 1,700-year-old statuette fragment he found in the Ramon Crater area, May 11, 2026.

Eight-year-old boy visiting Ramon Crater finds over 1,700-year-old statue fragment hidden in rocks


Hasmonean era 'first wall' section revealed at Tower of David museum excavation - interview

Israel’s Heritage Minister, Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu, called the discovery: “tangible and moving evidence of Jerusalem’s might and stature during the Hasmonean period.”

Archaeologist Amit Re'em and Eilat Lieber, director of the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum stand atop the recently uncovered section of the Hasmonean wall.

Unearthing Israel’s past: Archaeological discoveries change our understanding of history

As all these discoveries show, the land’s buried secrets have the power to transform our understanding of history, faith, and the human experience.

THIS SEAL, dated to the First Temple period, features Hebrew writing that reads: ‘Natan-melech the king’s servant,’ which is a quote that appears in the second ‘Book of Kings,’ 23:11.

Israel Antiquities Authority uncovers 5,500-year-old ‘Canaanite blade factory’ at Nahal Qomem

Dr. Jacob Vardi says the early bronze age site shows 'only exceptional individuals knew how to produce the Canaanite blades,' revealing a complex, specialized society.

Israel Antiquities Authority uncovers 5,500-year-old ‘Canaanite blade factory’ at Nahal Qomem.

Galilee cave yields 4th-century coin hoard tied to Jewish resistance under Rome

The coins were unearthed in Hukok, an ancient Jewish settlement near the Sea of Galilee associated with Jewish resistance under Roman rule.

Copper coins dating back more than 1,600, discovered in northern Israel.

New digital archive gives global access to Israel’s archaeological treasures

The Israel Antiquities Authority has launched a new database holding over three million historically significant records.

An intricately decorated 1,700-year-old ceramic oil lamp adorned with symbols linked to the Jewish Temple and discovered on Jerusalem's Mount of Olives, displayed in Jerusalem on Dec. 26, 2024

Israeli archaeologists unearth lavish 1,600-year-old Samaritan estate

The excavation revealed a magnificent mosaic floor decorated with a geometric pattern and images of fruits and vegetables, such as grapes, dates, and watermelons.

An olive press for production of oil in ritually pure conditions and an adjacent ritual bath (miqveh)

Ancient innovation uncovered: Some of the oldest lamp wicks in history found in Israel

The wicks, preserved in unusual circumstances, are a remarkable discovery given the moist Mediterranean climate, which typically causes organic materials to decompose.

A 4,000-year-old wick was discovered in its entirety in an  Israel Antiquities Authority excavation near Yehud.

IAA reveals how Israel's archaeologists helped locate missing persons post-Oct. 7

The exhibition, opening to the public on August 6, will be held at The Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel in Givat Ram, Jerusalem.

 The destruction caused by Hamas terrorists in Kibbutz Nir Oz, near the Israeli-Gaza border, in southern Israel, October 19, 2023.

First-of-its-kind discovery: Ancient coin from Second Temple Era reveals rebel mindset

The rare bronze coin engraved in Hebrew with 'For the Redemption of Zion' was found near the southwest corner of the Temple Mount in the Jerusalem Archaeological Garden – Davidson Center.

The reverse of the coin features a lulav flanked by two etrogs, with the inscription “Year Four.”

Israel Antiquities Authority unveils harrowing October 7 exhibition: 'Rising from the Ashes'

The Israel Antiquities Authority has announced the opening of its new exhibit detailing the October 7 massacre from the perspective of archeologists who assisted in bringing closure after the attack.

Rising from the Ashes