Israel Antiquities Authority

Oct. 7 Gaza border shelters designated antiquities as safeguard against 'clean up' projects

Section 1 of the Antiquities Law (1978) grants the relevant minister the authority to declare locations or artifacts an "antiquity" should it have a distinct national historical value.

A view of a roadside bomb shelter where dozens of festivalgoers were murdered during the October 7 massacre, near the Israeli border with the Gaza Strip, October 7, 2026.
Lifting the Second Temple-era mikveh found in the Carmei Gat neighborhood in Kiryat Gat, September 17, 2026.

How to move an ancient mikvah? Inside the IAA's operation to conserve a Second Temple ritual bath

Excavations at the Tell Qana archaeological site in Hod Hasharon, on behalf of Bar-Ilan University and the Israel Antiquities Authority, August 30, 2026.

‘Healing through restoration’: How Israel’s hidden dig site builds community out of archaeology

Burial cave from the Second Temple period found by Border Police officers in east Jerusallem, August 24, 2026.

Border Police discover Second Temple-period burial cave during operations in eastern Jerusalem


New digital archive gives global access to Israel’s archaeological treasures

The Israel Antiquities Authority has launched a new database holding over three million historically significant records.

An intricately decorated 1,700-year-old ceramic oil lamp adorned with symbols linked to the Jewish Temple and discovered on Jerusalem's Mount of Olives, displayed in Jerusalem on Dec. 26, 2024

Israeli archaeologists unearth lavish 1,600-year-old Samaritan estate

The excavation revealed a magnificent mosaic floor decorated with a geometric pattern and images of fruits and vegetables, such as grapes, dates, and watermelons.

An olive press for production of oil in ritually pure conditions and an adjacent ritual bath (miqveh)

Ancient innovation uncovered: Some of the oldest lamp wicks in history found in Israel

The wicks, preserved in unusual circumstances, are a remarkable discovery given the moist Mediterranean climate, which typically causes organic materials to decompose.

A 4,000-year-old wick was discovered in its entirety in an  Israel Antiquities Authority excavation near Yehud.

IAA reveals how Israel's archaeologists helped locate missing persons post-Oct. 7

The exhibition, opening to the public on August 6, will be held at The Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel in Givat Ram, Jerusalem.

 The destruction caused by Hamas terrorists in Kibbutz Nir Oz, near the Israeli-Gaza border, in southern Israel, October 19, 2023.

First-of-its-kind discovery: Ancient coin from Second Temple Era reveals rebel mindset

The rare bronze coin engraved in Hebrew with 'For the Redemption of Zion' was found near the southwest corner of the Temple Mount in the Jerusalem Archaeological Garden – Davidson Center.

The reverse of the coin features a lulav flanked by two etrogs, with the inscription “Year Four.”

Israel Antiquities Authority unveils harrowing October 7 exhibition: 'Rising from the Ashes'

The Israel Antiquities Authority has announced the opening of its new exhibit detailing the October 7 massacre from the perspective of archeologists who assisted in bringing closure after the attack.

Rising from the Ashes

Ancient blade workshop unearthed near Kiryat Gat, first of its kind in southern Israel

The findings provide compelling evidence of a sophisticated society with a complex social and economic structure at the very beginning of the Early Bronze Age.

The Israel Antiquities Authority excavation near Kiryat Gat.

Rare 1,900-Year-Old bronze lion heads uncovered in Sharon region, symbolic of regional diversity

The lion heads are intricately designed, with each face bearing a different expression and distinct features.

All four lion heads from the Eyal Interchange excavation.

Hackers breach Israel Antiquities Authority's social media

In their post, the hackers stated, "Soon, all Israeli commanders will face the consequences of their war crimes," along with a photo of a missile and Khamenei.

 Iranian cyber activists hacked the X/Twitter account of the Israel Antiquities Authority early on Sunday morning

Archaeologists reveal mythological scene on ancient sarcophagus found in Caesarea

The sarcophagus was discovered outside the known walls of Caesarea, indicating that the ancient city was far more extensive than previously thought.

 The side of the marble sarcophagus, depicting the scene of Hercules, sprawled on a lion's skin and holding a cup in his hand.