Jerusalem archaeology

Ancient tunnel with unknown age, purpose found near Kibbutz Ramat Rachel ahead of Jerusalem Day

After descending a set of ancient stairs from the surface, archaeologists found themselves standing at the hewn opening of the tunnel, found to be filled with hundreds of years of ancient sewage.

The mysterious, ancient tunnel found near Kibbutz Ramat Rachel on the outskirts of Jerusalem, May 14, 2026.
Hasmonean-era coin depicted the seven-branched menorah (L) and silver tetradrachm minted in Ashkelon during the Persian period (R) which were returned to Israel from the United States earlier this week, May 13, 2026.

US returns two rare, ancient coins to Israel following joint antiquities theft investigation

Ancient bullae found in Jerusalem, May 1, 2026.

IAA reveals new study focused on ancient Jerusalem bullae in honor of Israel Excellence Week

THE RITUAL purification bath (mikveh) from the Second Temple period.

Israel uncovers Second Temple-period mikveh beneath Western Wall


Grapevine: A well-deserved tribute

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

 Giv‘ati Parking Lot Excavations at the City of David.

Earliest systematic weapons production dating back 7,000 years found in Israel

The findings show the mass production of slingstones from the Southern Levant dating back to the Early Chalcolithic period (c. 5800–4500 BCE),

 The ancient slingstones: the earliest evidence for warfare in the region

Ancient aqueduct from time of Roman occupation discovered in Jerusalem

The excavation efforts also led to the discovery of a coin from 67/68 CE, during the first Jewish revolt against the Roman occupying forces.

A long section of the Upper Aqueduct to Jerusalem was uncovered in archaeological excavations at Giv‘at HaMatos

Israel unearths ancient Greek tomb, rare bronze mirror in Jerusalem

The burial cave is rare evidence of the Hellenistic period in the Jerusalem area. It was discovered on a rocky slope not far from Kibbutz Ramat Raḥel.

 The bronze mirror

Steps where Jesus said to heal a blind man unearthed in Jerusalem

The discovery was made by archaeologists during excavation work on the Pool of Siloam. Approximately eight steps were unearthed.

 An Ultra-Orthodox Jewish man enters the Siloam pool in the East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Silwan October 23, 2009. The pool standing today dates the Byzantine Era and is located at the site where Christians believe that Jesus instructed a blind man wash, granting him sight.

Archaeologists find 'mystery' ducts near biblical Jerusalem relics

The channels may have been used to prepare a commodity "connected to the economy of the temple or palace", said archaeologist Yuval Gadot in the statement.

 Aerial view showing stone-covered plaza scheduled for future excavation to access the passageway with the corbelled vault, Tel Shimron.

Israeli archaeologists unearth building destroyed during Babylonian siege of Jerusalem

The building, dubbed 'Building 100', had once belong to an elite member of Jerusalem's society, until it was destroyed by fire in 586 BCE.

Representational image of fire raging during the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem.

Archaeological discoveries shed light on early urbanization in the Kingdom of Judah

The findings have revealed fortified cities and common urban pattern characterized by casemate walls, houses abutting the walls and peripheral roads.

 Aerial view of the casemate city wall of Khirbet Qeiyafa

Biblical Kingdom of Judah expanded into Israel earlier than previously thought, study finds

In this comprehensive study, Prof. Yosef Garfinkel examines the earliest fortified sites in the kingdom of Judah during the 10th century BCE.

 Aerial view of the casemate city wall of Khirbet Qeiyafa

Ancient Tel Shikmona factory probably supplied the First Temple with dye

A new study by the University of Haifa claims to completely change the story of the biblical Shikmona.

Biblical era purple dye industry discovered in Haifa