In 1989, when bulldozers uncovered two square openings into the rock outside Jerusalem's Old City walls, what began as a road widening project turned into a new and exciting mystery for Israeli archaeologists. The discovery revealed a large burial complex, undisturbed for nearly 1,500 years - a cemetery of Jerusalem's affluent and respected families.
In an area left miraculously undisturbed for centuries, archaeologists discovered ornate architecture and a treasury of information dating back from the period between the first century BCE, until the Romans' destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE, when an end was put to Jewish sovereignty in the land of Israel. The story of these burial caves did not end with the Roman destruction. For yet another chapter in the history of these caves was to unfold under the Romans, and then the Christians in the Byzantine period. In all, 700 years of burial customs in Jerusalem were here revealed, and these enabled this unique exhibition.
Displayed publicly for the first time, items in the exhibition include a scale model of the finely decorated tomb complex, and original finds - stone ossuaries bearing inscriptions, ceramic vessels, glass objects, and gold jewelry. Graphic reconstructions of the burial site, as well as extensive explanatory panels, accompany the exhibits.
For more information, please contact
Mrs Helena Sokolov
, Coordinator of Special Projects - National Treasures