Israel Antiquities Authority

Israel's antiquities watchdog tracks stolen history from Jerusalem dealers to US museums

Israel’s antiquities watchdog is battling black-market theft, forgery, and a global trade that strips history of its story

Visitors to the Israel Antiquities Authority’s new center in Jerusalem look at items such as jewelery, makeup brushes, and weapons that had been stolen by antiquities thieves.
Multispectral imaging uses different wavelengths of light such as ultraviolet and infrared rays to better decipher faded or damaged writing on ancient manuscripts.

From dust to data: How technology is transforming Israeli archaeology

A Palestinian archaeologist works on a lead sarcophagus discovered in Gaza City in early 2022. A common Israeli claim is that Palestinians have ‘no interest’ in antiquities.

'Heritage as a weapon': How West Bank digs became a tool of dispossession - opinion

As the current war wages, Israelis and Palestinians battle over ancient narratives.

Ancient sites, modern stakes: The fight to own the West Bank's past - from the editor


Israeli woman finds ancient figurine of Egyptian goddess on the beach

Amid stormy weather, a resident of Lod saw the figurine floating toward her on the waves.

 An ancient figurine of the goddess Hathor found along Palmahim Beach.

Antiquities Authority calls on Israeli public to return stolen artifacts

Citizens can reach out to the IAA to determine if items are antiques and return items at one of four collection points throughout the country.

 A wooden box containing 15 silver coins from the Maccabean period was discovered in the Judean Desert earlier this year, and will be put on display in the Hasmonean Museum in Modi'in, December 13, 2022.

Ancient Israeli coins recovered from Jerusalem archaeology thief

The coin comes from the reign of the Hasmonean King Antigonus II Mattathias, who ruled from 40 BCE to 37 BCE. He was the last Jewish king, his death marking the end of Jewish sovereignty until 1948.

 Ancient coins, including one from the reign of the last Jewish king, Antigonus II Mattathias, are seen after having been recovered from an alleged thief in eastern Jerusalem.

Should Israel outlaw the sale of archaeological artifacts?

A joint Zoom symposium in Jerusalem and London examines the quasi-legal business of antiquities trading in Israel.

 The entrance to the W.F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research in Jerusalem.

Israel Police save unique Bar Kochba revolt coffins from grave robbers

Unique carvings were found on ossuaries in the damaged burial cave in northern Israel.

 Ossuaries found in a burial cave north of Nazareth.

Archeologists discover receipt from time of Second Temple in Jerusalem - study

The artifact was found along the Pilgrimage Road that connects the City of David to the Temple Mount and is a snapshot of the bustling commercial life in biblical Israel.

 The inscription carrying the financial record that was found in the City of David in Jerusalem.

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.