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IAA Rescue Excavation At Modi’in Uncovers Hasmonean period Jewish Settlement and Artifacts |
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A rescue excavation conducted by the IAA (Israel Antiquities Authority) has uncovered remains of a Hasmonean period (1st century BCE) Jewish settlement that survived the Great Revolt but was destroyed by the Romans following the Bar Kokhba Revolt (2nd century CE). The Hasmonean period buildings are characterized by a good number of rooms with large courtyards, water holes, oil-presses and agricultural installations. Remains of a 2nd Temple period synagogue with a side entrance were found in the center of the settlement. Four benches surrounded the central hall with two rows of four columns on each side. A nearby courtyard with two exits leading to a hiding complex was dated to the 2nd century CE. The synagogue walls were covered with shades of red, orange and white plaster, pieces of which were found on the synagogue floor. The synagogue was destroyed in the early 2nd century by the Romans, as suggested by the pottery, coins and signs of fire on the site. Alexander Onn, Director of the excavation on behalf of the IAA, reports that the synagogue is similar in plan to those found at Gamla, Masada and Herodion. Several unique artifacts were discovered, among them two stone inscriptions – one bearing a relief of grapes and the second, a Greek inscription; stoneware typical to 2nd Temple period Jewish homes based on the belief that stone utensils remain ritually clean and could not be defiled; Hellenistic and Roman period glass, and about 20 Roman bronze and silver coins. The excavation was conducted by IAA archaeologists Alexander Onn, Shlomit Wexler and Yehuda Rapiano, aided by about 90 workers, recruited via the Israel Labor Exchange. Based on the IAA’s recommendation, the Ministry of Housing will divert the planned road. The IAA is interested in enlisting the Ministry of Housing and the Modi’in Regional Council in an effort to convert the site into an archaeological park open to the public. |
