Jerusalem archaeology

Massive newly-unearthed complex may shed light on how Jewish pilgrims prepared to enter the Temple

The discovery was made during five seasons of excavations, directed by Prof. Uzi Leibner and Prof. Orit Peleg-Barkat of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Institute of Archaeology.

The Ophel archaeological site where a monumental complex housing several Second Temple-era mikvaot were uncovered by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, September 23, 2026.
Burial cave from the Second Temple period found by Border Police officers in east Jerusallem, August 24, 2026.

Border Police discover Second Temple-period burial cave during operations in eastern Jerusalem

A rare Judean Pillar Figurine mold dating to the First Temple period found in the Tower of David, July 27, 2026.

First Temple-era figurine mold unearthed in Jerusalem's 'most significant excavation' in decades

The burnt wooden beams discovered in the City of David, July 20, 2026.

Days before Tisha B'Av: Charred wooden beams from First Temple’s destruction unearthed in Jerusalem


Was literacy important in the biblical Kingdom of Judah? Expert offers answers

Questions related to literacy in ancient times are not an exclusive prerogative of academic studies on the Israelites.

 Bulla found in Lachish.

'Jerusalem Through the Ages': What archaeology reveals about the history of Jerusalem - review

This is both positive and a challenge for readers; it’s dense, meticulous, and sometimes overwhelming.

 A view of Jerusalem’s Temple Mount.

Largest ever Second Temple era quarry discovered in Har Hotzvim Hi-Tech Park, Jerusalem

Archaeologists excavated 3,500 square meters of earth in one section of the massive quarry.

 The main street that led to the Temple Mount approximately 2,000 years ago. It is being uncovered in the excavations of the Israel Antiquities Authority at the City of David, August 1, 2024.

When Britain’s King George V ‘met’ the founder of its most famous beer, on walls in Jerusalem

These walls continue to talk to us and reveal Jerusalem’s history."

 Shai Halevy and Michael Chernin of the Israel Antiquities Authority during the research on the coats of arms.

Rare 2,550-year-old silver coin from Persian era uncovered in Jerusalem area

Dr. Robert Kool: “The rare find contributes information concerning the way trade was carried out."

 The rare coin, providing evidence for the development of commerce.

Grapevine: A well-deserved tribute

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

 Giv‘ati Parking Lot Excavations at the City of David.

Earliest systematic weapons production dating back 7,000 years found in Israel

The findings show the mass production of slingstones from the Southern Levant dating back to the Early Chalcolithic period (c. 5800–4500 BCE),

 The ancient slingstones: the earliest evidence for warfare in the region

Ancient aqueduct from time of Roman occupation discovered in Jerusalem

The excavation efforts also led to the discovery of a coin from 67/68 CE, during the first Jewish revolt against the Roman occupying forces.

A long section of the Upper Aqueduct to Jerusalem was uncovered in archaeological excavations at Giv‘at HaMatos

Israel unearths ancient Greek tomb, rare bronze mirror in Jerusalem

The burial cave is rare evidence of the Hellenistic period in the Jerusalem area. It was discovered on a rocky slope not far from Kibbutz Ramat Raḥel.

 The bronze mirror

Steps where Jesus said to heal a blind man unearthed in Jerusalem

The discovery was made by archaeologists during excavation work on the Pool of Siloam. Approximately eight steps were unearthed.

 An Ultra-Orthodox Jewish man enters the Siloam pool in the East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Silwan October 23, 2009. The pool standing today dates the Byzantine Era and is located at the site where Christians believe that Jesus instructed a blind man wash, granting him sight.