Archaeological study

New AI-powered research project aims to uncover the origins of the Dead Sea Scrolls

Research methods will include state-of-the-art chemical, artificial intelligence, paleographical, and codicological analysis of approximately 250 samples of the scrolls from the IAA's collection.

|ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM
A fragment of a 2,000-year-old Psalms Scroll from the Dead Sea Scrolls collection; illustrative.
Composite Aerial Photo of Building 101, Tel Eton, June 23, 2026.

Ancient stone at Tel Eton may provide new proof of King Hezekiah’s religious reform, study suggests

The stone, known also as a massebah, was discovered during excavations of the First Temple era site, inside a large residence named by archaeologists as "Building 101," or the Governor's Residency.

|ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM
Stages of Burning on Bones – white (#5 on right) is the most burnt while yellow-beige (on left #1) is unburnt.

New identification technique pushes back timeline of fire use to over a million years ago - study

Researchers explained that when bones exposed to high levels of heat are illuminated with specific light wavelengths, they light up with a distinctive glow.

|ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM
Rupert van Der Werff from Summers Place Auctions with a rare skeleton of a long-extinct woolly rhinoceros in Billingshurst, England, March 5, 2019; file photo.

Neanderthals' ancient toolkit included hammers, blades made from rhino teeth, study finds

Dental microwear analysis, which allows for the microscopic study of surface textures, confirmed that the marks were made after the animals' deaths, ruling out chewing or dietary wear and tear.

|ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM

Colombian rancher finds largest known fossil of three-meters tall “Terror Bird” in Tatacoa Desert

Fossil bears tooth marks from giant crocodile, hinting at how the predator met its end.

NOVEMBER 5, 2024ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
“Terror Bird”. Illustration.

Archaeological mission discovers first Middle Kingdom tomb in South Asasif Necropolis

The excavation revealed a wealth of unique jewelry in the female burials, including necklaces, bracelets, chains, rings, and belts made from red agate, blue and green glazed ceramics, and faience.

NOVEMBER 3, 2024ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Mummified cat, Egypt, Beni Hassen, Middle Kingdom, 2040-1782 BC, site of Khnumhotep II, linen and pigments. Fitchburg Art Museum.

Hidden 4,000-year-old fortified town discovered in the Khaybar Oasis of Saudi Arabia

Al-Natah, occupied from 2400 to 1500 BCE, had about 500 residents and is the first of its kind for studying an ancient settlement in northwest Arabia.

OCTOBER 31, 2024ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Wadi Disah, Al Shaq canyon of Saudi Arabia.