Recent archaeological discovery near Jerusalem

Numerous archaeological discoveries were made throughout Israel during the past few years. The most recent discovery surpassed all previous discoveries.

Discovered during an exploratory dig prior to the construction of a new road 5 kilometers from Jerusalem, a 9,000-year-old city, which dates back to the Neolithic Period, also known as the New Stone Age were likely inhabited by people of faith. It predates the first known settlement in in Jerusalem by about 3,500 years.

The Israel Antiquities Authority, which unveiled the site on 16 July 2019, said 2,000 to 3,000 people lived in the ancient city, “one of the largest of its kind in the region.”

During the 16-month excavation, archaeologists discovered large buildings, separated by well-planned alleys, used for residential and public purposes.

Pieces of jewelry (including bracelets made of stone and mother of pearl), figurines, locally made flint axes, sickle blades, knives and thousands of arrowheads were also unearthed.

Sheds held a large number of well-preserved legume seeds, something the archaeologists called “astonishing” given the amount of time that has passed.

In preparation for the release of the excavated area, the entire site was documented using advanced 3D technology that will enable research of every detail digitally. The IAA is planning to build a display for those curious about the site.

Jacob Vardi, one of the archaeologists said: “The discovery changes what we thought we knew about the area. It’s a major site that must have had connections with other (undiscovered) villages. The area must have been more vibrant than we knew. The question is, where are those villages?”