In the world of archeologyevery day there are more findings that shed new light on the past. And when it seems that everything is said, something else appears. In Israel, old stamps, traces of cats, battle artifacts, fortifications … but now something that nobody saw coming: a pyramid 2,200 years.
This finding took place in northern Nahal Zohar, in full desert of Judea. In the middle of a joint operation between the Israel antique authoritythe Ministry of Heritage and an enthusiastic volunteer troop, a monumental structure was discovered, solid as a fortress, built with carved stones that weigh the same as an adult cow.
They discover a pyramid in Israel
The pyramid found in Israel is not alone. Under it, archaeologists found what seems to have been a passage station. It is not clear if it worked as a shelter or as a commercial control point, but its interior keeps several objects that attract attention.
There is not only sand and dust. There are also Papyri written in ancient GreekBronze coins of the Antiochus IV era and the ptolomeos, wood tools, weapons and even fabric fragments that, curiously, were kept intact thanks to the dry air of the desert. Everything is preserved as if the time had stopped.
Matan Toledano, Eitan Klein and Amir Ganor, responsible for the excavation, say that this is one of the most fascinating sites they have investigated. They explain that since the first week of excavation, volunteers have found written historical documents, exceptional bronze vessels and remains of old furniturethat thanks to the desert climate were preserved in excellent condition.
They also ensure that it is a very promising place, because At every moment new findings ariseso they are full of expectation about what they can hold the next three weeks.
What makes this 2,200 -year -old pyramid so special?
The exact origin of the pyramid And their function is still a mystery. The first theories pointed to the period of the first temple, but the findings show that it could be a later date: the Hellenistic period.
Therefore, the hypotheses range from a raised surveillance tower to protect an old commercial route, to a symbolic tomb in the middle of nowhere. For now, they are all possibilities.
This discovery is part of a archaeological rescue project that has been in progress for eight years. Its objective is to protect the heritage of the Judea desert, an area besieged by looters who work quickly and without care.
Until now, they have been inspected 180 kilometers of steep terraindocumented about 900 caves and recovered thousands of objects, some hidden on purpose.
Eli Escusido, director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, highlighted the relevance of this excavation in the national context. «The archaeological lifting of the Judea desert is one of the most important operations that have been carried out in the country’s history. The findings are exciting, even moving, and their value for historical and archaeological research is enormous ».
