TWO STONE AGE FIGURINES DISCOVERED OUTSIDE OF JERUSALEM
Two animal-shaped figurines from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B period
were discovered this month during an excavation on Route 1 outside of Jerusalem. The two artifacts measure approximately six inches each, with the first made of limestone and depicting a horned ram and the second constructed from dolomite and depicting a buffalo or ox. Both figurines are believed to have served as good luck charms for hunters, and were most likely used as the focus of a traditional pre-hunt ceremony.
ANCIENT WATER RESERVOIR UNEARTHED IN JERUSALEM
An ancient water reservoir from the First Temple period was
discovered this month near the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem. The cistern is believed to have once stored up to 66,000 gallons of water and constructed by King Solomon in the 10th century BCE to provide water to pilgrims visiting Jerusalem holy sites.
ARCHEOLOGISTS DISCOVER EGYPTIAN SCARAB IN
TEL AVIV
Archeologists recently discovered an ancient Egyptian scarab within a mud and brick fortification during excavations in the Old City of Jaffa adjacent to Tel Aviv. The scarab, which bears the cartouche of the Egyptian Pharaoh Amenhotep III, sheds light on a former Egyptian presence in the ancient port city.
RENOVATION WORK COMPLETED ON LIONS GATE IN JERUSALEM
Restoration work on the historic Lions Gate entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem was completed this month by the Jerusalem Development Company in coordination with the Israel Antiquities Authority. The Lions Gate is the last of the seven open gates to receive restoration treatment, which included repair to its sentry post, including the two lions carved on each side, as well as cleaning of the gate's stones and crevices.
Geoffrey Weill Associates Informational material is disseminated on behalf of
the Israel Ministry of Tourism. Additional information available at the
Department of Justice.
