Israel Tour for You

The text is thought to be the most significant archaeological discovery in Israel since the Dead Sea Scrolls.

A 2,000 year old gold earring inlaid with pearls and precious stones has been discovered beneath a parking lot in the City of David in Jerusalem.

“The earring was astonishingly well preserved, so much so that it seems it was manufactured only yesterday. The data we have available today indicates that the earring, which was discovered in the ruins of a building which dates to the Byzantine period, was apparently originally produced during the course of the Roman period,” said Dr. Doron Ben-Ami and Yana Tchekhanovets from the Israel Antiquities Authority, which is conducting the evacuation.

A year ago a large impressive edifice that dates to the end of the Second Temple period was exposed during excavations in the same parking lot. Based on evidence from the writings of Josephus Flavius, the building that was uncovered was probably erected by the Hadyab family. The most famous member of that family was Queen Heleni, who converted to Judaism and moved to Jerusalem, where she was buried.

Hebrew University archaeologists made another important discovery when they recently uncovered the earliest known Hebrew text during excavations of a 10th century BCE fortress in the area where David slew Goliath ? the earliest Judean city found to date.

The 3,000 year old finding is thought to be the most significant archaeological discovery in Israel since the Dead Sea Scrolls-predating them by 1,000 years.

Initial interpretation suggests that the pottery shard inscribed with writing, may be a legal text with insights into Hebrew law, society and beliefs.