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Archaeologists Uncover Ancient Jerusalem Wall, Revealing Historical Ceasefire Evidence

Archaeologists Uncover Ancient Jerusalem Wall, Revealing Historical Ceasefire Evidence

Archaeologists have completed the excavation of the longest continuous remains of an ancient wall that once encircled Jerusalem, dating back to the Hasmonean Kingdom era, around the time of Hanukkah. This discovery includes potential evidence of a 2,100-year-old ceasefire between warring kingdoms. The wall, which is approximately 164 feet long and 16 feet wide, was likely constructed a few decades after the Hanukkah story by the Hasmonean rulers. The excavation revealed that the wall was purposefully dismantled to a uniform height, suggesting a strategic decision rather than destruction by war or time. Historical accounts by Flavius Josephus indicate that a ceasefire agreement between Jewish King John Hyrcanus I and Hellenistic King Antiochus VII involved dismantling the wall as part of the terms. The site, located under the Tower of David Citadel Museum, also revealed remnants of a prison used until the 1940s.

2025's Most Remarkable Archaeological Discoveries Unveiled

2025's Most Remarkable Archaeological Discoveries Unveiled

The year 2025 has seen several groundbreaking archaeological discoveries, including the first Denisovan skull, an ancient hunter's toolkit, and a Roman man's brain turned to glass. These findings provide new insights into prehistoric human life and the evolution of ancient civilizations. The Denisovan skull, found in China, offers a glimpse into the physical characteristics of this mysterious group of ancient humans. Meanwhile, the discovery of a hunter's toolkit in the Czech Republic sheds light on the survival strategies of early humans. Additionally, the preservation of a Roman brain in Herculaneum reveals the impact of the Mount Vesuvius eruption.

Norwegian Archaeologists Discover 1,500-Year-Old Reindeer Hunting Facility in Melting Mountains

Norwegian Archaeologists Discover 1,500-Year-Old Reindeer Hunting Facility in Melting Mountains

Archaeologists in Norway have uncovered a 1,500-year-old reindeer hunting facility on the Aurlandsfjellet plateau in Sogn, a remote region in western Norway. The discovery was made as the ice in the area melted, revealing several hundred hewn wooden logs and two fences made of wooden stakes. The site, which was announced by the Vestland County Municipality, includes iron spearheads, arrow shafts, parts of bows, and a wooden spear, along with a large number of well-preserved reindeer antlers. The facility was designed to funnel reindeer into a pen, where they were likely processed and transported. Remarkably, the antlers still retain the scent of the animals. This discovery provides a unique glimpse into mountain life during the Early Iron Age and highlights the sophisticated methods used by ancient hunters.

Netanyahu Plans Meeting with India's PM Modi Following Recent Call

Netanyahu Plans Meeting with India's PM Modi Following Recent Call

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel is set to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the near future. This development follows a recent phone conversation between the two leaders, as confirmed by a statement from the Prime Minister's Office. The dialogue between Netanyahu and Modi underscores the ongoing diplomatic relations between Israel and India, which have been strengthening over recent years. The two leaders last met in Jerusalem in 2017, marking a significant moment in the bilateral ties between the two nations. The upcoming meeting is expected to further discuss mutual interests and cooperation in various sectors.

Archaeologists Discover 483 Bronze Age Settlements in Western Turkey, Shedding Light on Lost Luwian Culture

Archaeologists Discover 483 Bronze Age Settlements in Western Turkey, Shedding Light on Lost Luwian Culture

Archaeologists have uncovered 483 settlements in western Turkey, revealing a powerful and independent culture from the Late Bronze Age known as the Luwians. This discovery, made over more than a decade of research, challenges previous historical narratives that largely ignored the Luwians due to political and ideological biases. The settlements, dating back to between 2000 and 1300 BCE, provide evidence of a distinct culture separate from the Mycenaean Greeks and Hittite Anatolians. The findings suggest that the Luwians had their own languages, customs, and social structures, and played a significant role in the region's ancient history.

Archaeologists Uncover Hasmonean-Era Wall in Jerusalem's Tower of David

Archaeologists Uncover Hasmonean-Era Wall in Jerusalem's Tower of David

Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority have uncovered one of the longest and best-preserved sections of Jerusalem's Hasmonean-period city wall at the Tower of David Museum. The wall, dating back to the late second century BCE, was revealed during excavations ahead of the museum's new Schulich Wing construction. The exposed segment, known as the 'First Wall,' extends over 40 meters and is approximately 5 meters thick. The wall was originally over 10 meters high, though only its lower courses remain. The discovery raises questions about its intentional destruction, with theories suggesting it was dismantled either by the Hasmoneans themselves or later by King Herod.

Archaeologists Uncover Hasmonean-Era Wall in Jerusalem, Revealing Historical Insights

Archaeologists Uncover Hasmonean-Era Wall in Jerusalem, Revealing Historical Insights

The Israel Antiquities Authority has announced the completion of excavations that uncovered a significant section of Jerusalem's Hasmonean-period city wall. This fortification, dating back to the late second century BCE, was found on the grounds of the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum within the historic Kishle complex. The newly exposed segment, identified as part of the 'First Wall,' extends over 40 meters and is approximately 5 meters thick. The wall, originally over 10 meters high, was constructed with large, hewn stones and is noted for its historical significance as described by the first-century Jewish historian Josephus. The excavation directors, Amit Re’im and Marion Zindel, noted signs of intentional destruction, suggesting a systematic effort to dismantle the fortification. Two theories have been proposed: one suggests the Hasmoneans dismantled the wall as part of a peace agreement with Seleucid ruler Antiochus VII Sidetes, while another posits that King Herod ordered its demolition to distance h...

Ancient Jerusalem City Wall Discovered Beneath Prison Complex

Ancient Jerusalem City Wall Discovered Beneath Prison Complex

Archaeologists have uncovered a significant section of Jerusalem's ancient city wall beneath the Kishle prison complex. This 40-meter-long wall, dating back to the Hasmonean period of the Second Temple era, is one of the most complete sections found to date. The wall, constructed from white limestone, was likely a formidable structure, possibly reaching 10 meters in height. The discovery was made during excavations led by Dr. Amit Re'em and Dr. Marion Zindel of the Israel Antiquities Authority, ahead of planned construction works. The wall's systematic dismantling raises questions about its destruction, with theories suggesting it may have been taken down by the Hasmoneans themselves or by King Herod as a political statement.

French Archaeological Dig Uncovers 40,000 Ancient Roman Coins

French Archaeological Dig Uncovers 40,000 Ancient Roman Coins

An archaeological excavation in a French village has led to the discovery of a jug containing 40,000 Roman coins, believed to date back between A.D. 280 and 310. The coins were found during a dig conducted by experts who have analyzed the dates on the coins, suggesting that this treasure was buried approximately 1,700 years ago. This significant find provides insight into the economic and historical context of the Roman Empire during that period. The discovery was made by a team led by Simon Ritz from Inrap, a French archaeological research institute.

Roman Medusa Cameo Discovered at Austrian Construction Site Highlights Historical Significance

Roman Medusa Cameo Discovered at Austrian Construction Site Highlights Historical Significance

A rare Roman cameo relief depicting the goddess Medusa has been unearthed at a construction site in Hallstatt, Austria. The artifact, a finely carved banded agate relic, was discovered during excavation work for a new funicular railway system. Dated to the 2nd century C.E., the cameo is considered one of the most significant finds from antiquity in Upper Austria. It was likely crafted in a northern Adriatic workshop and sold as jewelry in Hallstatt, a village with a rich history of Roman salt mining. The Medusa cameo, which measures just 1.5 cm, is believed to have been worn by an elite Roman woman. It will be displayed at the Cultural and Congress House in Hallstatt before becoming part of the permanent archaeology collection at Linz Castle Museum.

UN Palestinian aid agency says Israeli police 'forcibly entered' compound in Jerusalem

UN Palestinian aid agency says Israeli police 'forcibly entered' compound in Jerusalem

Israeli police have forcibly entered the compound of a United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees in East Jerusalem

October 7 Gaza Conflict Increases Poverty Among Israelis, Report Finds

October 7 Gaza Conflict Increases Poverty Among Israelis, Report Finds

A recent report highlights a growing class of 'war poor' in Israel, as the October 7 Gaza conflict has pushed more Israelis into poverty. The report indicates a deepening social emergency, with hunger and chronic financial stress spreading from the country's weakest populations into the lower middle class. Approximately 41% of families in Jerusalem are affected by poverty, compared to about 20% in the rest of the country. The conflict has exacerbated existing economic challenges, leading to increased financial instability for many Israeli families.