In recent days, unique archaeological finds from the Second Temple period have been discovered during excavations at the Ancient Shiloh National Heritage Site in southern Samaria. The discoveries include a lavish ritual bath, a clay cooking pot and a rare purple-dye snail shell, from which, among other things, dye was produced for making tzitzit and coloring parts of the High Priest’s garments.
The finds were uncovered during ongoing archaeological excavations at the Ancient Shiloh National Heritage Site, led by the Civil Administration's Archaeology Unit in cooperation with the Binyamin Regional Council.
New findings in the Ancient Shiloh
(Credit: Ancient Shiloh National Heritage Site)
Next week marks the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. Benyamin Har Even, the Civil Administration Archaeology Staff Officer, said the discovery of Temple-period artifacts at this time has generated great excitement.
“We are in the period of the Three Weeks, during which the destruction of the Temple is commemorated, and archaeological finds of this kind take on special significance,” Har Even said. “Beyond their scientific importance, they demonstrate the deep historical connection between the Jewish people and ancient Shiloh.”
(Photo: COGAT Spokesperson)
Har Even noted that some of the finds were discovered during the process of sifting excavation soil at the “Treasures of Samaria” facility, which receives excess soil from archaeological excavations throughout the region and examines it with the help of teenagers as part of an initiative by the Samaria Regional Council and Dr. Avi Solomon.
He also noted that the Binyamin Regional Council’s tourism association recently held the 15th annual Shiloh Academic Conference, where participants discussed the latest archaeological discoveries uncovered in the Binyamin area.
(Photo: COGAT Spokesperson)
Binyamin Regional Council head and chairman of the Yesha Council Israel Ganz said: “Precisely at a time when there are those attempting to undermine our right to this land, these findings once again demonstrate the depth of the Jewish people’s connection to Shiloh, Binyamin and the Land of Israel.”
Ganz added: “I am especially proud of our youth, who chose to commemorate the memory of Maj. Shilo Har Even, of blessed memory, through an excavation that reveals to all the deep roots of our people in this land.”