Volunteers working in the excavation north of Nahal Zohar (Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority)
A monumental 2,200-year-old pyramidal structure with an ancient way station beneath it is being excavated in the Judean Desert, north of Nahal Zohar. The discovery dates back to the era of the Ptolemaic and Seleucid rulers and is part of a joint excavation led by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) and the Ministry of Heritage, with volunteers from across Israel.
Remarkable Finds at the Site
Archaeologists have uncovered a treasure trove of artifacts, including:
Papyrus documents written in Greek
Bronze coins from the Ptolemaic dynasty and Antiochus IV
Weapons and wooden tools
Ancient fabrics
This significant discovery sheds new light on Hellenistic-era settlements and trade routes in the region.
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According to Matan Toledano, Dr. Eitan Klein and Amir Ganor, excavation directors on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, “What we have here is one of the richest and most intriguing archaeological excavations ever found in the Judean Desert. This pyramidal structure we discovered is huge, and made of hand-hewn stones, each one weighing hundreds of kilograms. Already in the first excavation week, the volunteers found written historical documents, exceptional bronze vessels and remains of ancient furniture, which thanks to the desert climate were preserved in amazing condition. This is a very promising site – every moment new findings are discovered, and we are filled with anticipation for what else the next three weeks might produce!”
An ancient button. (Robbery Prevention Unit, Israel Antiquities Authority)
Spearheaded by the Israel Antiquities Authority, the Nahal Zohar excavation is part of a major Judean Desert operation launched approximately eight years ago to combat the rampant looting of archaeological sites. This nationally funded initiative, supported by the Ministry of Heritage, the Judea and Samaria Civil Administration Archaeology Department, and the Israel Antiquities Authority, has systematically surveyed the entire Judean Desert, covering 180 kilometers of cliffs and identifying around 900 caves. Utilizing abseiling gear, advanced technologies, and specialized documentation techniques, the dedicated Robbery Prevention Unit has unearthed thousands of rare artifacts, including deliberately concealed scrolls, papyrus fragments, wooden tools, weapons, leather goods, and coin hoards.
“This excavation changes the site’s historical record,” say Toledano, Klein and Ganor. “Contrary to previous hypotheses that attributed this structure to the First Temple period, it seems that it was built later – during the Hellenistic period – when the land of Israel was under Ptolemaic rule. We still do not know for certain what the building’s purpose was: Is this a guard tower, guarding an important commercial route through which the Dead Sea resources of salt and bitumen were transported to the coastal ports? Or at some point was this enormous structure on the mountaintop marking a grave, or serving as a monument in ancient history? It is an enthralling historical mystery – and to our delight, the public coming to volunteer in the excavation are our partners in uncovering the answers.”
