Antiquities

Heritage Minister taps INEXTG CEO Esther Shreiber for next IAA director, first woman in role

Her appointment will soon be submitted for approval by the IAA’s council and the government. 

INEXTG CEO Esti Shrieber, tapped to be the next director of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).
The Hebrew manuscript inscribed in gold on python skin, displayed alongside its copper casing, at the Gaziantep Provincial Gendarmerie Command, April 24, 2026.

Turkish authorities reportedly seize gold Hebrew manuscript inscribed on python skin

Stele depicting Roman Emperor Tiberius standing before the Theban triad of the ancient Egyptian gods found near the Karnak Temple Complex, March 30, 2026.

Stone stele depicting Roman emperor, Egyptian gods found near Karnak temple site in Luxor

Palestinian children play in a Roman-era fountain in Battir, a village in the West Bank, south of Jerusalem.

Palestinian Authority accelerates heritage campaign as West Bank tensions rise


Egyptian doctor's elaborate smuggling scheme unraveled at JFK airport

Ashraf Omar El-Darir sentenced to six months in jail for smuggling 600+ antiquities worth $82,000, including golden amulets and Roman artifacts dating to 1900 BCE.

Some of the artefacts smuggled.

1 of 20 found: Extremely rare 2,200-year-old gold coin found in Jerusalem

A rare gold coin of the Egyptian Queen Berenice II, dating back approximately 2,200 years, was discovered during archaeological excavations in the City of David.

1 of 20 found: Extremely rare 2,200-year-old gold coin found in Jerusalem.

2,000-year-old Greek artifact seized in Jerusalem antique shop raid

A lead weight from 147 BCE—marked by a powerful market official—may tie to a major political dynasty in Edom’s ancient capital.

The weight of one Mina, equivalent to 100 Greek drachmas.

When the future decodes the past: How artificial intelligence helps solve the "giant puzzle"

A new AI model helps historians accurately reconstruct ancient Latin inscriptions, reviving lost texts, instructions, and untranslated languages - bringing the past vividly back to life.

Artificial Intelligence – Illustrative Image

Turkey hands over Babylonian and Akkadian clay tablets to Iraq

The Iraqi government has launched what has come to be known as "recovery diplomacy" as part of its efforts to recover looted artifacts.

 Clay tablets inscribed with cuneiform script on display in Iraq.

Cypro-Minoan script on Tel Dor lagoon anchor reveals 11th-century trade routes

Antiquity study links Israel’s Carmel Coast to Cyprus and Egypt through inscribed anchor and jars bearing Egyptian numerals.

 Ruins of an ancient port Dor, Israel.

Egyptian archaeologists discover three ancient tombs at Qubbat al-Hawa necropolis

The discovery provides new insights into the transitional period between the Old Kingdom and the First Intermediate Period, shedding light on burial customs and architecture during these key periods.

 archaeologists discover three ancient tombs at Qubbat al-Hawa necropolis.

Bronze statue, artifacts reveal ancient cult of Odysseus on Ithaca

Excavations at 'Homer's School' reveal artifacts bearing his name and a bronze statue, confirming the existence of an ancient cult worshiping the hero.

 Bronze statue, artifacts reveal ancient cult of Odysseus on Ithaca.

Underwater drones find pristine gold, relics on lost galleon San José near Pillars of Hercules

High definition ROV images and 3D reconstruction revealed 1707 Lima mint marks on dozens of raw coins scattered 600 metres deep around the wreck.

 Jerusalem Cross, Pillars of Hercules: Underwater drones capture pristine gold on lost galleon San José.

Rare Roman sarcophagus depicting Dionysus and Hercules found in Caesarea

'This is the first time we are finding the scene of the wine contest between the god Dionysus and Hercules on a sarcophagus in our region,' said archaeologist Nohar Shahar.

 Rare Roman sarcophagus depicting Dionysus and Hercules found in Caesarea.