Tens of thousands of archaeological relics uncovered in 2024

(JNS) — Amid the ongoing wars against Hamas and Hezbollah, countless artifacts from the Second Temple era, the Late Roman period, and more were uncovered across Israel in 2024.

“Despite the difficult year we experienced due to the war, the Israel Antiquities Authority continued to carry out rescue excavations throughout the country,” said the body’s director-general, Eli Escusido.

“Over the past year, approximately 120 sites were excavated (compared to the usual average of 250-300 in a regular year), where tens of thousands of significant finds were uncovered, ranging from prehistoric periods to modern times. The most notable excavations were in Jerusalem—in the City of David and the Ophel Garden—Yavne, Yehud, Kiryat Gat, Caesarea and more,” he added.

The IAA has donated some of its findings to museums and research institutes across Israel for visitors to enjoy.

The IAA also offers a volunteer program for individuals over the age of 18 who want to get in on the action and be a part of a team uncovering the past. There are additional companies and tour operators throughout Israel that offer excavating experiences for all types of travelers. 

“This region has an incredibly rich and vast history that dates back thousands of years including all the way to the time of the Bible and beyond. Sites are regularly uncovered helping archaeologists piece together the story of the land’s ancient history of cultures, religions and historic leaders,” said Dina Orenbach, consul and director of the Western Region of the United States for the Israeli Ministry of Tourism.

“Our country is filled with wondrous artifacts, and if you feel like rolling up your sleeves and being an active participant, you might consider joining a ‘dig for a day’ or a guided archaeological dig. The incredible historical and religious landmarks discovered in Israel will resonate with people from around the world,” she added. 

The extraordinary artifacts archeologists have discovered in Israel this year include: 

Ancient stone road, possibly walked on by Jesus 

In Mount Hotzvim in northern Jerusalem, a group of archaeologists in an excavation project with the IAA discovered an array of rocks and a paved road that dates back to the end of the Second Temple period. This discovery matches another creation uncovered in 2019 called “Pilgrim’s Road,” which is believed to have been walked on by Jesus in ancient Jerusalem. 

Cargo ship dating back 3,300 years

Found 56 miles away from Israel’s Mediterranean Sea shore, a 3,300-year-old cargo ship was discovered during a standard survey executed by Energean plc, an international hydrocarbon exploration and production company with a focus on natural gas and was donated to the IAA. This ship dates back to the Late Bronze Era, a time with only two documented shipwrecks in the Mediterranean Sea, and was found intact after years of sitting on the sea floor. 

1,800-year-old ring discovered in Haifa

Yair Whiteson, 13, was hiking in Haifa and discovered an 1,800-year-old bronze ring engraved with an image of the Greek Goddess Athena, which is believed to have been owned by woman or girl during the Late Roman Period. This ring was given to the IAA and is now on display for visitors as part of the IAA summer tours at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel in Jerusalem, adjacent to the Israel Museum.

Rare multi-compartment stone container found in Jerusalem 

In a recent excavation, a multi-compartment stone container, dating back 2,000 years to the days of the Second Temple, was discovered and is now on display at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem for visitors to view. Based on research conducted by the IAA, it is believed that this box was used for commercial purposes, as a way for merchants to display their products, and highlights daily life and trade during this period. 

Stone seal from time of the First Temple 

A black stone seal was discovered in the City of David National Park by the IAA that dates back 2,700 years, to the time of the First Temple. This seal showcases that literacy was not exclusive to upper-class citizens, that individuals at all class levels had basic knowledge of reading and writing. The seal depicts a winged genie, providing insight to the cultural zeitgeist in the region during the seventh and eighth centuries BCE. The seal is marked with the first and last name of the seal’s original owner, Yehoʼezer ben Hoshʼayahu. 

Jewish kitchenware unearthed in capital’s ancient drainage

In August, the IAA announced it discovered Jewish kitchenware in Jerusalem’s ancient drainage channel, which ran though the city’s main street during the time of the Second Temple. Archaeologists found expensive oils, grape seeds and 2,000-year-old eggshells outside the Old City walls, which showcases evidence of daily life during a time of rebellion against the Roman Empire.