Jerusalem archaeology

Israel uncovers Second Temple-period mikveh beneath Western Wall

The ritual bath was found sealed beneath a layer of destruction dated to 70 CE, in which researchers found burned ash and numerous artifacts that offer a snapshot of life just before the city fell.

THE RITUAL purification bath (mikveh) from the Second Temple period.
AN ANCIENT menorah pendant from the Byzantine period, found in Jerusalem.

Ancient lead menorah pendant sheds light on Jewish presence in Byzantine Jerusalem

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.

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

 A paleontologist cleaning a skeleton during an archaeology dig; illustrative.

New Israeli technology lets archaeologists see underground without digging


Israeli archaeologist find where the Romans breached Jerusalem's walls - IAA

In breaching the walls of Jerusalem in 70 CE, the Roman legions stormed the city and destroyed the Second Temple, of the many infamous moments mourned on Tisha Be'av.

 The Russian Compound excavation site. The ballista stones, the physical evidence of the battle that took place 2000 years ago, are visible on the floor.

New segment of Hasmonean aqueduct to Jerusalem exposed in capital neighborhood

An engineering feat of ingenuity allowed the aqueduct that served as Jerusalem's main water supply to be in use for 2000 years. A new section of it was found in Armon Hanatsiv.

 Exposed section of Hasmonean-age Jerusalem aqueduct.

Ceramic vessels from Jerusalem may have been ancient grenades - study

The residue of explosive material in the findings from 11th-12 century Jerusalem indicates that it may have been locally made.

Composition of trace residues from the contents of 11th–12th century sphero-conical vessels from Jerusalem.

Famous Siloam Inscription shows the complexity of repatriation of antiquities

A 2,700-year-old inscription was discovered in Jerusalem, a testament to the fragile circumstances of antiques.

 Photo of a replica of the Siloam inscription, March 8, 2010.

UAE Archives directors visit Israel’s National Library for first time ever

Among the fields of collaboration agreed to in the 2020 Abraham Accords, the two institutions are working to preserve historical memory and cultural heritage.

 Wednesday's meeting between the directors of Israel's National Library and the UAE's National Archives in Jerusalem, Israel.

Authorities believe looted Bar Kochba artifacts were Roman army spoils

Among the findings are typical Roman cult artifacts decorated with figures and pagan symbols, which prove that they were likely the original property of Roman soldiers.

 Bar-Kochba era artifacts seized by police on December 8th.

Biblical warfare: How did the Assyrians conquer Judean Lachish?

Archaeologists uncovered how King Sennacherib’s army built the massive siege ramp that allowed them to defeat the city some 2,700 years ago.

 Siege scene with two massive L-shaped shields protecting Assyrian soldiers, in a relief from the palace of Tiglath-Pileser III at Nimrud

2,700-year-old biblical fortress in Jerusalem undergoes restoration

The citadel might have been part of a network of defensive structures to protect the capital at the time of the Kings of Judah.

 Aerial view of the fortress on the French Hill before restoration.

What was Jewish life in Israel like at the time of the Mishna and Talmud?

A new exhibition by the Israel Antiquities Authority at the Yigal Allon Center in Kibbutz Ginossar offers a glimpse of the centuries when Jewish sages managed to rebuild a community in the Galilee.

 An oil candle bearing the model of the seven-branched lamp that was unveiled at the Usha site on the Sanhedrin Trail.

Archaeology, hikes, and fun for kids: Tour Jerusalem's hills

The Jerusalem Post Magazine takes you to Tel Tzuba and Sataf, both located in the outskirt hills of Jerusalem, offering local fun and a trove of history.

 Tel Tzuba