Tag Archive for Hasmonean era

| September 14, 2017
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Antiquities thieves vandalize burial site, skeletons at ancient Judean Desert fortress

The desecrated cave, at one of the seven Hasmonean fortresses ordered built by King Herod to protect the eastern border of the Judean Kingdom, came under attack by antiquities robbers since they’re unprotected due to a systematic lack of funding.

By DANIEL K. EISENBUD

 

Tomb raiders recently destroyed human skulls and skeletal remains buried in a mysterious cave near the ancient Hasmonean fortress of Horkania in the northern Judean Desert between Jericho and the Dead Sea.

The fortress, believed to have been constructed around 120 BCE by its namesake, John Hyrcanus, was one of seven ordered built by King Herod to protect the eastern border of the Judean Kingdom from the Edomites and other enemies. Continue Reading »

Category: Israel News | Tags: , , , , , , ,
| December 11, 2012
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Treasures found the heart of Jerusalem from the Hasmonean era

 

A perfume container and a lead weight from the ancient days of the Hasmonean dynasty, were found in Jerusalem’s Kiryat Yovel neighborhood

Chief archaeologist: Little is known about Jerusalem during that era.

Efrat Forsher

 

As Jews throughout the world celebrate the Hanukkah holiday, which commemorates the victory of the ancient Hasmoneans over the militarily superior Hellenists, the Israel Antiquities Authority recently disclosed that an important archaeological find was discovered in the Kiryat Yovel neighborhood of Jerusalem, including items dating back to the Hasmonean era — 140 B.C.E. to 116 B.C.E.

The archeological dig in south Jerusalem. – Photo: Daniel Ein Mor & Clara Amit, Israel Antiquities Authority

The IAA, which conducted the excavation, uncovered what appeared to be an agricultural farm that was occupied during the days when Jerusalem was under Hellenist rule.

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