Israel Antiquities Authority

Israeli archaeologists unearth lavish 1,600-year-old Samaritan estate

The excavation revealed a magnificent mosaic floor decorated with a geometric pattern and images of fruits and vegetables, such as grapes, dates, and watermelons.

An olive press for production of oil in ritually pure conditions and an adjacent ritual bath (miqveh)
A 4,000-year-old wick was discovered in its entirety in an  Israel Antiquities Authority excavation near Yehud.

Ancient innovation uncovered: Some of the oldest lamp wicks in history found in Israel

 The destruction caused by Hamas terrorists in Kibbutz Nir Oz, near the Israeli-Gaza border, in southern Israel, October 19, 2023.

IAA reveals how Israel's archaeologists helped locate missing persons post-Oct. 7

The reverse of the coin features a lulav flanked by two etrogs, with the inscription “Year Four.”

First-of-its-kind discovery: Ancient coin from Second Temple Era reveals rebel mindset


Israel Antiquities Authority unveils harrowing October 7 exhibition: 'Rising from the Ashes'

The Israel Antiquities Authority has announced the opening of its new exhibit detailing the October 7 massacre from the perspective of archeologists who assisted in bringing closure after the attack.

Rising from the Ashes

Ancient blade workshop unearthed near Kiryat Gat, first of its kind in southern Israel

The findings provide compelling evidence of a sophisticated society with a complex social and economic structure at the very beginning of the Early Bronze Age.

The Israel Antiquities Authority excavation near Kiryat Gat.

Rare 1,900-Year-Old bronze lion heads uncovered in Sharon region, symbolic of regional diversity

The lion heads are intricately designed, with each face bearing a different expression and distinct features.

All four lion heads from the Eyal Interchange excavation.

Hackers breach Israel Antiquities Authority's social media

In their post, the hackers stated, "Soon, all Israeli commanders will face the consequences of their war crimes," along with a photo of a missile and Khamenei.

 Iranian cyber activists hacked the X/Twitter account of the Israel Antiquities Authority early on Sunday morning

Archaeologists reveal mythological scene on ancient sarcophagus found in Caesarea

The sarcophagus was discovered outside the known walls of Caesarea, indicating that the ancient city was far more extensive than previously thought.

 The side of the marble sarcophagus, depicting the scene of Hercules, sprawled on a lion's skin and holding a cup in his hand.

Rare menorah capital found near Jerusalem to be unveiled on Independence Day

This stone capital is considered one-of-a-kind and has not been found anywhere else in the world, according to the IAA.

A rare capital, the only one of its kind in the world.

Police find ancient treasures, weapons in Dimona antiquities probe

A Dimona resident was detained for questioning after the search uncovered not only the archaeological treasures but also a cache of weapons, ammunition, and currency. 

Ancient coins found in the home of a Dimona resident.

Digging too deep? Political dispute delays archaeological congress in Israel

Greenberg was expected to lecture on the “archaeologization” of Israel in a session on archaeology and politics, before his participation raised concerns from right-wing activists.

 Amichai Eliyahu at the Knesset. January 21, 2025.

TAU archaeology prof. faces calls to be dropped from nat'l conf. for West Bank dig stance - report

After publicly boycotting an archaeological conference in Judea and Samaria, a TAU professor finds himself at the center of an argument on his role as a lecturer at a national archaeology conference.

The first building ever discovered in Yavne from the Sanhedrin era. It contained fragments of ‘measuring cups’ identified with a Jewish population.

Tiny hands, ancient find: Israeli toddler uncovers 3,800-year-old scarab

The young girl from Moshav Ramot Meir uncovered an ancient scarab amulet during a family trip to Tel Azeka, near Beit Shemesh.

 The seal in the hand of 3.5-year-old Ziv.

The nun who lived in chains: First-ever evidence of extreme asceticism found near Jerusalem

Asceticism is the practice of denial of physical or psychological desires in order to attain a spiritual ideal or goal, often self-inflicted.

 A drone view shows conservation work at a winepress that was discovered, according to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), at the site of a large monastery from the Byzantine period, near Kiryat Gat, Israel, January 6, 2025.