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Press Release |
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Medusas in Caesarea Harbor (1/19/2010)
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The IAA uncovered the earliest building ever found in Tel Aviv, dating to the Neolithic period (1/12/10))
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For the Very First Time: A Residential Building from the Time of Jesus was Exposed in the Heart of Nazareth (12/21/09)
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(10/110/09) Coins from the Temple Mount -New Exhibition
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An international workshop of experts dealing with risks facing World Heritage sites was convened in Akko (11/18/09)
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A Marble Hoard was Exposed in an Archaeological Excavation in Akko (11/3/09
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The Footprints of the Builders of the Lod Mosaic were Exposed (10/14/09)
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A large and Magnificent 2,000 Year Old Miqve was Exposed in Jerusalem (9/23/09)
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Second Temple Period Stepped Street Discovered (9/14)
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One of the Oldest Synagogues in the World was Exposed at Migdal (9/13)
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An Enormous 3,700 Year Old Fortification was Exposed in the City of David (9/10)
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A Large, Magnificent Roman Building, c. 1,800 Years Old, was Exposed in the City of David In the Israel Antiquities Authority Excavations at the 'Givati Car Park', in the Walls Around Jerusalem National Park (31/8/2009)
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The IAA dispatched a letter of denunciation to the World Archaeological Congress: “Instead of Archaeology, You are Speaking in Behalf of Politics"”
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(The IAA is embarking on a first of its kind campaign to register the antiquities collections that are held by the general public in Israel
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A Large Stone Quarry from the End of the Second Temple Period was Exposed on Shmuel HaNavi St. in Jerusalem
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(June 16, 2009 )An Archaeological Excavation in Jerusalem Has Revealed:This is How They Filled The Sultan’s Pool With Water
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After 13 Years of Being Covered –One of the Most Impressive and Largest Mosaics in the Country will be Re-exposed
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The Museum of the Good Samaritan opens to the public (6/7/09)
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(5/20/09)An Ancient Jar Handle Bearing the Hebrew Name Menachem was Uncovered in Ras el-‘Amud
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A Bone Seal Engraved with the Name Shaul, from the Time of the First Temple, was Found in Jerusalem (19/5/09)
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A Rare 2,000 Year Old Hebrew Document Written on Papyrus was seized in an Operation (5/5/09)
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Dedication of an Archaeological Garden in the Israel Knesset (5/4/09)
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A Fragment of a Hebrew Inscription from the Period of the Kings of Judah was Found
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The Inauguration of the National Project to Conserve the Stones in the Western Wall and the Establishment of the Israel Antiquities Authority Conservation Department (Minhal Shimur) (5/4/09)
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A Pier from the Hellenistic Period was Discovered in Akko (2/4/09)
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One of the Most Spectacular Mosaic Floors Ever Discovered in Israel was Restored and Renovated and Can Now be Seen by the General Public (30/3/09)
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A Byzantine Bathhouse was Uncovered Close to Kibbutz Gevim (24/3/09)
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Ancient Glass from the Holy Land (25/3/09)
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The Excavations in the Roman Theater in Tiberias In Memory of Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Drori æ"ì, Founder of the Israel Antiquities Authority (5/3/2009)
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A Byzantine Period Church was Exposed in Moshav Nes-Harim (11/3/2009)
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A Persian Love Poem (9/3/2009)
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Greetings from Ahimelekh and Yehokhil, from Netofa in Judah (23/2/2009)
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New Inscriptions found at Beit Guvrin- Maresha National Park Reveal more information on a Royal Stele at the Israel Museum (16/2/2009)
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Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Today Inaugurated the “Tel Akko” Tourism Project in the City of Akko. Another Theater is also soon to be Established in the City (3/2/09)
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An 1,800 Year Old Marble Figurine in the Image of a Bearded Man, probably that of a Roman Boxer, was Discovered (26/1/2009)
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Enlisting Resources for the Conservation of the Old City of Safed (January 14, 2009)
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A Hoard Comprising Hundreds of Gold Coins was Uncovered in the Excavations the Israel Antiquities Authority is Conducting at the ‘Giv‘ati Car Park’ in the City of David, in the Walls Around Jerusalem National Park (22/12/2008)
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(12/2/08) A 1,500 Year Old Bathhouse was Exposed in Zikhron Ya‘aqov
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A 2,000 Year Old Gold Earring, Inlaid with Precious Stones, was Discovered in Excavations in Jerusalem - 11/10/08)
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A Rare Hebrew Seal from the First Temple Period was Discovered in Archaeological Excavations in the Western Wall Plaza (10/30/08)
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A New Visitor’s Path is Inaugurated in Safed (10/5/08)
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The Southern Wall of Jerusalem that Dates to the Time of the Hasmonean Dynasty was Discovered on Mount Zion (9/3/08)
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The Dead Sea Scrolls Go Digital - 8/27/08
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Three Extraordinary Skulls were found in Excavations in the North (8/13/08)
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(8/6/08) An ancient complex for Producing Oil was discovered
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Rare 2,500 Year Old Marble Discus that was meant to Protect Ancient Ships from the Evil Eye was Found in the Sea by a Lifeguard and Turned Over to the Israel Antiquities Authority (7/13/2008)
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Inspectors of the Israel Antiquities Authority seized dozens of ancient artifacts from the home of a Haifa resident, among them anchors of ancient boats- 5/28/08
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A 9,000 Year Old Hoard of Flint Blades was Exposed at the Movil Junction
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A Fragment of a 2,000 Year Old Psalm Scroll was Displayed at the President’s Conference
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A present to the State of Israel for its sixtieth anniversary: Adulam Park
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The Mayor of Tiberias and the Director of the Israel Antiquities Authority Today Revealed for the First Time Plans for the Archaeological Park that Will “Resurrect” the Roman City of 2,000 Years Ago (1/4/08)
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A Silver Coin That Was Used To Pay The Half Shekel Head-Tax To The Temple Was Found In Jerusalem (March 18,2008)
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Building Remains From The Time Of The First Temple Were Exposed West Of The Temple Mount (March 13, 2008)
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An Antiquities Robber was Caught ‘Red-handed’ at Tel Hannaton in the North
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A Group of Christian Friends of Israel from throughout the United States is Maintaining the Antiquities Site of Biblical Tamar - Mezad Hazeva in the Arava
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A Band of Antiquities Robbers was Apprehended near Mei 'Ami (March 3, 2008 )
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What Happened to the Clerks and Merchants of the 8th Century BCE? (27/2/2008)
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Conservation Treatment has been completed on the Glass Panel that was discovered in the Palace of the "Bird Mosaic" in Caesarea (28/1/2008)
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Impressive Second Temple Period Edifice is Discovered in the City of David (16/1/2008)
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For the First Time an Israeli Representative is Appointed to ICCROM’s Council (November 19, 2007)
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Monumental Remains of Roman Jerusalem in the Western Wall Tunnels (November, 15, 2007)
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Sixty Years Since the Discovery of the Dead Seas Scrolls
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For the First Time, Archaeological Remains dated to the First Temple Period have been Discovered on the Temple Mount
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For the First Time a Quarry has been Exposed that Supplied Enormous Stones for the Construction of the Temple Mount
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Fascinating Pictures of Archaeological Sites Tell the History of the Land of Israel
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In excavations the Israel Antiquities Authority is conducting in the City of David the city’s main drainage channel was discovered. (September 10, 2007)
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Surprising Finds were Discovered in the IAA Excavations in Tiberias (08/08/2007)
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During a routine patrol by inspectors of the IAA excavation work was discerned that was being conducted illicitly in a shop located in the Old City of Jerusalem. (07/08/2007)
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Israel Antiquities Authority inspectors foiled an attempt to smuggle an ancient statue head to an antiquities collector in the United States (07/08/2007)
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Surprising Finds were Discovered in the IAA Excavations in Tiberias (7/8/2007)
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Israel Antiquities Authority Inspectors Seized Hundreds of Archaeological Artifacts in the Home of a Wadi ‘Ara Resident (10/7/2007)
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For the First Time in Israel: Children make History (15/05/2007)
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Archaeological Excavations on Highway 38, at the Eshta’ol Junction (21/05/2007)
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A Mystery in Kfar “Nin” – An Earthquake or a Pogrom? (28/05/2007)
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A Large Wine Press from the Byzantine period, Mosaic Paved Rooms, and Treading Floors and Work Surfaces were found in the Archaeological Excavation being Conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority in Bat Shlomo (28/05/2007)
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A Magnificent Arch, Ritual Baths and Various Installations from the Second Temple Period were Discovered in Excavations by the Israel Antiquities Authority next to the Ben Shemen Interchange (10/06/2007)
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The Children of Migdal HaEmeq and the Antiquities Authority Participate in a First of its Kind Community Project: Protecting the Past for the Sake of the Future (14/06/2007)
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A helmet of a Greek warrior of the 6th-5th century BCE was discovered (April 19, 2007)
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The Jerusalem City Wall Project (April 12, 2007)
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Remains of a Jewish settlement are being exposed in the Shu’afat neighborhood of Jerusalem
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Israel Antiquities Authority excavation at the Mugrabim Ramp (February 6, 2007)
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The Beit Ha-Kerem Neighborhood in Jerusalem: An Attractive Place in Antiquity Also (December 10, 2006)
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The President's visit to the IAA's Mishmar David Excavation (December 3, 2006)
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The ‘Pisa-Akko’ Conservation Project (November 30, 2006)
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Inspectors of the Israel Antiquities Authority Thwarted an Attempt to Smuggle 5,000 Ancient Coins from Israel to Cyprus (27/11/2006)
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A previously unknown burial field was exposed beneath the spot where the Second Temple Model used to be exhibited (November 9, 2006)
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Family Businesses?? (November 12, 2006)
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Following this morning's newsitem about the ancient burial tombs excavation near Bet Shean (October 31, 2006)
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A lifeguard’s alertness resulted in an underwater archaeological discovery: the very first evidence of an ancient anchorage for sailing vessels in Netanya (October 30th 2006)
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For the first time in the world: a virtual three-dimensional tour of the Umayyad streets and buildings next to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem
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The Groundbreaking for the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel (October 15th 2006)
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Stone seals engraved with a figure of a ‘bird and an olive branch’ (September 20, 2006)
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Today, the Southern Region of the Antiquities Authority will Host 90 Members of Akim (20-60 Years Old) for an Experiential Day on the Occasion of Lag B’Omer - May 15, 2006
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The Jerusalem region was an attractive place for man in prehistoric times too; in IAA excavations evidence was uncovered of prehistoric man’s existence at Ramat Rachel, in Jerusalem. - May 9, 2006
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The Philatelic Service of the Israel Postal Authority has issued an exhibition sheet of a mosaic from the antiquities site at the Megiddo Prison (Legio) - May 9, 2006
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A 6,500 year old farming village was exposed in excavations that are being conducted along the route of the national gas carrier in the fields of Moshav Menucha - near Nahal Guvrin (24/04/2006)
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A unique find of gold and silver bracelets dating to the 11th century CE was uncovered in IAA excavations at Ramla (April 11, 2006)
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Excavations conducted by the Antiquities Authority in Kfar Kana (13.3.06)
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6,000 Year Old Cemetery Exposed in IAA Excavations
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The Israel Antiquities Authority recommends the prison to be transferred to a new location.
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Scientific Summary of the Authority's excavation at the Megiddo Prison and its recommendation for moving the prison.
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Hundreds of Ancient Items: Weapons, Coins, Rings etc. were Seized as a Result of Intelligence Information (December 18, 2005)
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Seven skeletons of buried horses are currently being uncovered in excavations conducted by the Antiquities Authority in the Armenian Monastery, near the coast in Jaffa.
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Experts Consult about the Excavations at Megiddo Prison (8/11/2005)
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Excavations at Megiddo Prison yield rare 3rd-4th century Christian structure (6/11/2005)
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They also ate fish in Jerusalem at the time of the Kingdom of Judah (September 29, 2005)
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For the first time remains of the pool dating to the First Temple Period, are being uncovered in the IAA Excavations (July 26, 2005)
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Exciting Finds from the First and Second Temple Period are being uncovered by the IAA
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IAA Inspectors Apprehended Three Members of a Gang of Antiquity Thieves Wanted for the Past Five Years by the Robbery Prevention Unit.(July 19, 2005)
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Hundreds of ancient artifacts were found in the home of a resident suspected of illegally trading antiquities (July 18, 2005)
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An Attempt to Smuggle Abroad a Rare Archaeological Artifact from the Time of Bar Kokhba is Foiled (May 17, 2005)
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Hadashot Arkeologiyot – The Digital Edition (May 15, 2005)
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They Build During the Day and Destroy at Night –– 8 Antiquity Looters were Apprehended in Modi‘in (March 8, 2005)
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A 6000 Year Old Cemetery is Exposed in Excavations at Palmahim (April 7, 2005)
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Remains and Artifacts Dating to the End of the Kingdom of Judea and the Hellenistic Period were Unearthed along the Bank of Nahal Be’er Sheva‘ (April 11, 2005)
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Qumran Temple Scroll to be Exhibited in Germany
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A rare coin was found in Jaffo's Flea Market (March 16th 2005)
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The 1,500 year old (!) mosaic is in the ancient synagogue at Ma‘on-Nirim
The mosaic, which is decorated with a seven-branched candelabrum and images of different animals, was conserved and returned to its original location. The site is now open to the general public and admission to it is free.
The site of the mosaic floor, which is part of a synagogue from the Byzantine period (fifth and sixth centuries CE), is located in the settlement of Ma‘on-Nirim, in the western Negev, and will be open to the public this week. This mosaic originally measured 3.70 x 7.80 m but was damaged when the road to Kibbutz Nir Oz was paved in 1957. The mosaic floor and the remains of the synagogue were discovered during salvage excavations that were undertaken on behalf of the Department of Antiquities in 1957. The mosaic’s state of preservation has deteriorated in recent years as a result of the unsuitable conditions in which the mosaic was kept and a lack of maintenance. Therefore, in 2006, it was removed from the site and transferred for treatment to the Conservation Laboratories in the Rockefeller Museum in Jerusalem.
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The Jewish National Fund, Israel Antiquities Authority and Eshkol Regional Council cooperated in implementing the rehabilitation project. The JNF assisted in the renovation of the synagogue and a generous contribution by Sandy Galet was used to fund the tourism development work which included: signage, access roads, walking paths with access for the handicapped and a new entrance to the site via Highway 232. Future development plans for the site include a picnic area and walking paths in the nearby forest. The conservation work on the mosaic and the archaeological remains of the ancient synagogue was carried out by a team of mosaic conservators from the Conservation Department of the Israel Antiquities Authority.
On Monday, March 30, 2009, at 11:00 AM, a ceremony will take place during which the mosaic will be unveiled and the site will be inaugurated. The ceremony will be attended by Mr. Effi Stenzler, Chairman of the JNF; Mr. Shuka Dorfman, director of the Israel Antiquities Authority; and Mr. Haim Yellin, head of the Eshkol Regional Council.
The site is open to the general public and admission is free.
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The Conservation Method
The process of detaching the mosaic from its foundation included documentation, cleaning, and gluing the surface of the mosaic to cloth. Part of the mosaic was separated and rolled onto a wooden drum that was prepared for this purpose and the rest was removed in pieces c. 1.5 meters in size. The team of conservators from the Israel Antiquities Authority cleaned the remains of the old bedding from back of the mosaic and returned the mosaic to its original location atop the new foundation (consisting of lime-based plaster) that was prepared for it.
On the Mosaic Floor
According to the archaeological findings the northern wall of the synagogue’s sanctuary was breached in the middle of the sixth century CE and an apse, which is a circular niche that protrudes outward, was installed in the opening. The level of the earlier floor was raised and a breathtakingly beautiful mosaic floor surrounded by marble columns was constructed on top of it in the northern part of the sanctuary. The synagogue had a basilica plan in which there was a nave with a mosaic floor that was flanked by two aisles paved with stone tiles. The ceiling was built of wooden beams and clay. The decoration on the mosaic floor consists of a vine tendril that stems from an amphora to form a trellis of medallions that are adorned with scenes of everyday life from the vineyard and from wine production and with different animals. The images portrayed in the upper rows include a seven-branched candelabrum that stands on three legs shaped like lion’s feet, and near them etrogim, a shofar and a lulav, and alongside the candelabrum – palm trees and lions, which are symbols of Judah. An Aramaic inscription is incorporated in the mosaic. The upper part of the inscription blesses all of the community followed by a dedication to three individuals who donated generous contributions.
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Tiny objects were found on the floor facing the Holy Ark: coins, bone and metal artifacts that probably belonged to the Holy Ark and the ornamental curtain in front of the Ark, as well as fragments of glass and ceramic lamps. Also found were dozens of amulets, some of which were of women who were asking for good health.
The Ma‘on synagogue is located in the Hellenistic site of Menois, which appears on the Madaba Map. It is one of the three synagogues in the western Negev and its floor is identical to the one in the synagogue in Gaza. The site, which was one of the most important tourism sites in the western Negev, had been allowed to deteriorate over time.
Photographic credit – Niki Davidov, courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority.
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