2000 year old pottery vessels recovered from a cliff in Israel



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Pottery vessels dating back more than 2000 years were recovered during the weekend during a complex reminder operation of a cave on a cliff along the border of Lebanon.

In a coordinated and intense effort, under IDF supervision, excavators climbed ropes into the cave to conduct the excavations. Fragile finds, including two intact wine jars, several storage jars, a bowl, a pot, two juglets, and several jar chips, were successfully lowered to 30 meters on ropes at the base of the cliff. of a joint operation. The Zefat Academic College, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), the Israel Cave Research Center and the Israel Cave Explorers Club.

The team transported the finds, protected by a plastic tarpaulin and stuffed bags, on foot from the cars. transported to an installation of the Israel Antiquities Authority for restoration and research.

Pottery vases 2000 years old. Photo by Yinon Shivtiel

"At first glance, the findings seem to date from the Hellenistic period – between the 3rd and 1st century BCE," said Danny Syon, chief archaeologist at the Israel Antiquities Authority. with Yinon Shivtiel, Lecturer in Land Studies of Israel at Zefat Academic College.

"Considering that kitchen and service vessels have been found, it would seem that those who brought them have planned to live there for a while." We badume that anyone who has hid them here has escaped from a violent event in the area.Maybe more closely dating the ships, we will be able to link them to a known historical event. "

Shivtiel discovered the cave in 2017 during an investigation in Western Galilee to locate the caves that were used as shelters and hiding places, aided by the Israeli Authority Nature and Parks.

He was surprised to discover a cave located on a steep cliff, under an overhang that contained ancient pottery vessels, he said in an IAA press release.

"It is mind-boggling to see how the ships were transported to the cave, which is extremely difficult to access.Maybe that a simpler way that once existed has disappeared with time, "said Syon.

Danny Syon and Yinon Shivtiel in the cave. Photo by Omri Gester

Due to the proximity of the cave on the border of Lebanon, the operation was coordinated with the IDF, which kept the researchers. The excavations were carried out under a permit from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.

Shivtiel said, "The rescue of the cave's ancient finds was the most complex operation I participated in as part of the investigation on the refugee caves that I lead for 20 years. "

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