Major archaeological discoveries in Israel
Attractions travel guideIsrael has a rich history, and as a result, there have been many significant archaeological discoveries in the country over the years. Some of the most notable include:
The Dead Sea Scrolls:
Discovered in the 1940s, these ancient Jewish texts include some of the oldest known copies of the Hebrew Bible. More about Dead Sea Scrolls >>
The City of David:
Located in Jerusalem, this ancient city dates back to the time of King David and has been the subject of many excavations over the years. More about City of David >>
The Masada fortress:
A palace-fortress built by king Herod in the 1st century BCE, an ancient fortification in the Southern District of Israel, on top of an isolated rock plateau.
The Tel Megiddo:
Also known as Armageddon, the site has been excavated since the early 20th century, revealing the remains of many ancient cities built one atop the other.
Caesarea:
A port built by King Herod in the 1st century BCE, Caesarea has yielded a wealth of artifacts and architectural remains, including an ancient theater and a restored Roman aqueduct.
The Herodian Quarter of Jerusalem:
This area in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem was first excavated in the 1970s and has since revealed a wealth of remains from the time of King Herod, including a palace, a market, and an extensive system of underground tunnels.
These are some of the major ones but many other sites have been excavated in the area and many more yet to be discovered.