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1,600 Years of Samaritan Reconciliation Discovered in Israel

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Archaeologists from the Israeli Ancient Bureau (IAA) have discovered historical agricultural archaeological sites at the KH site, located in Kahru Chatta of central Israel.

Mosaic floors in the building of KH’s archaeological site. Israeli Kahufrata. Image credit: Israeli Ancient Bureau.

“The grandeur of the discovered structures, the exquisite quality of the mosaic floors, and the remarkable agricultural facilities indicate the significant wealth and prosperity of the local Samaritan community over time.”

“The Kh. KafrHatta site is noted as the birthplace of Menander, the Samaritan magician, a precursor to the Gnostics and a successor to Simon Magus, regarded as one of the first converts to Christianity.”

In one of the structures, archaeologists uncovered a stunning mosaic floor adorned with intricate geometric patterns and representations of plants.

“Alongside the central medallion, the acanthus leaves are interwoven with distinctive motifs of fruits and vegetables, including grapes, dates, watermelons, artichokes, and asparagus,” they noted.

“At the doorway of this room, a partially preserved Greek inscription wishes good fortune to the building’s owner!”

“The name of the owner was prevalent in the Samaritan community.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmrz8wqpfe0

In the northern area of the estate, researchers discovered olive presses, large storage buildings, and Mikube (public bathing facilities).

“The close proximity of the oil press to Mikube likely facilitated the production of high-quality olive oil,” they mentioned.

“The olive press was meticulously designed, comprising two wings.”

“The Northern Wing featured a major production area, while the Southern Wing included auxiliary facilities.”

“Within the production area, two screw presses and a large basin for crushed olives were found.”

“This type of olive press is more characteristic of the Jerusalem region and the Jewish Shephela, making it less common in Samaria,” explained Dr. Nagorsky.

“Over the years, the estate has experienced significant transformations.”

“The opulence and grandeur of the structures have been supplanted by oil production and agricultural infrastructure.”

“New walls damaged the mosaic floors, incorporating grand capitals and pillars into the updated structures.”

The team suggests these changes are connected to the Samaritan uprisings during Byzantine rule, which occurred in the 5th and 6th centuries, against Byzantine emperors who enforced restrictive laws on non-Christian communities.

“What makes this site particularly fascinating is that, unlike other Samaritan locations that were destroyed during these rebellions, the Kahru Kasim estate has continued to be used, preserving the Samaritan identity.

“It is a captivating site that illustrates the historical contrast between the era of prosperity and the decline of the Samaritan community,” remarked Dr. Nagorsky.

“Its longevity and remarkable findings enable us to reconstruct its history across centuries, enhancing our understanding of this ancient population.”

Source: www.sci.news

Ancient Byzantine Monastery Unearthed in Israel Revealing Vibrant Mosaic Floor

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Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) have discovered the remains of a Byzantine monastery with a colorful mosaic floor and Greek inscriptions, an ancient wine press, and other buildings at the Israel Antiquities Authority, Kiryat Gat, Israel.

IAA archaeologists clean ancient mosaics in a Byzantine monastery in Kiryat Ghat, Israel. Image credit: Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority.

“This is the largest and most important Roman and Byzantine site ever discovered in this region,” IAA archaeologists Sheila Lifshitz and Marjan Margulis said in a statement.

“Blessed are you when you come in, and blessed are you when you go out (Deuteronomy 20:6).. ” This was written on the floor of a colorful monastery discovered during extensive excavations carried out before the establishment of a new district north of the modern city of Kiryat Ghat. ”

Researchers found the remains of at least 10 buildings, including a monastery, a wine press, and a large warehouse building.

“The monastery dates back to the Byzantine period (5th-6th century AD) and is part of an ancient site that already existed in Roman times and lasted for about 600 years,” they said.

“The monastery and its surroundings retain a large amount of imported pottery, coins, marble elements, and metal and glass vessels, all of which testify to the presence of a rich and important community here. I am.”

“The mosaic floor of the monastery is decorated with crosses, lions, doves, amphorae, flowers, and geometric patterns.”

The research team also discovered a sophisticated wine press that had been built and repaired many times over the years.

The mosaic floor of the fermentation chamber and recovery tank incorporates blue and white stones.

The floor of the north collection tank was made of slabs, on some of which you can still see the Greek letters used to mark the masonry of the winepress builders.

All these features indicate that the construction and development of this winery required a lot of money, time, and the work and efforts of various professionals.

“Early settlements were located at the intersection of central roads connecting mountainous areas and coastal plains,” the scientists said.

“It was clearly serving small communities and passing tourists in the area.”

“This is the largest and most important Roman and Byzantine ruin discovered in the area.”

“This discovery indicates that there was a series of settlements from the early Roman period (1st century AD) to the end of the Byzantine period (late 6th century AD).”

Source: www.sci.news

Israel Unearths 12,000-Year-Old Spindle Whorl

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Archaeologists have investigated an exceptional assemblage of more than 100 perforated pebbles excavated from the 12,000-year-old Natufian village of Nahal Eingev II in Israel, and have discovered that these items may be used to make fibers. They concluded that it may have functioned as a whorl for the spinning spindle.

3D analysis of perforated pebbles and holes. Image credit: T. Yashuv & L. Grosman, doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312007.

Donut-shaped objects connected to bars to form wheels and axles were an important invention that served as a starting point for technological development and are commonly associated with Bronze Age carts.

A spindle whorl is a round, weighted object attached to a spindle stick, forming a similar wheel-and-axle-like device, helping the spindle spin faster and longer, and allowing fibers such as wool or flax to spin You can collect and spin them efficiently. On the thread.

“A circular object with a hollow center connected to a rod is one of the most important inventions in history,” said archaeologists Talia Yashuv and Leore Grossman of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

“By moving parts of equipment, the wheel led to inventions that revolutionized human transportation, energy use, engineering, and the mechanical industry.”

“From wagons and automobiles to potter's wheels and power mills, oil and wine presses, lathes, spinning wheels, and many other applications, each invention has left its own mark on the history and evolution of technology.”

“At the heart of it all, the importance of 'wheels and axles' lies in the relatively simple rotational mechanisms that can convert linear motion to rotary motion and vice versa.”

Rotating technology: Evolution from “wheelless” to “wheel-based” rotating technology. Image credit: T. Yashuv & L. Grosman, doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312007.

In the study, archaeologists examined a collection of more than 100 perforated, mostly limestone pebbles recovered from the Nahal Ein Geb II site in northern Israel.

These artifacts date back to around 12,000 years ago, long before the advent of Bronze Age handcarts, and during the important transition to agricultural life and the Neolithic period.

Researchers speculate that the stone was likely used as a spindle whorl. This hypothesis is supported by the success of spinning flax using stone replicas.

This collection of spindle whorls likely represents a very early example of human use of rotation in a wheel-shaped tool.

These may have paved the way for later spinning technologies, such as potter's wheels and carts, which were essential to the development of early human civilization.

“These Natufian perforated stones are actually the first wheels in form and function. A round object with a hole in the center connected to a rotating shaft, they were used for transportation purposes long before the advent of wheels. ,” Professor Grossman said.

a paper A description of the results was published in the online journal on November 13, 2024 PLoS ONE.

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T. Yashuv and L. Grossman. 2024. A 12,000 year old innovation in spindle volute and wheeled rotation technology. PLoS ONE 19 (11): e0312007;doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312007

Source: www.sci.news

Israel Unearths Ancient Stone Seal Dating Back 2,700 Years

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Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority have discovered a stone seal from the First Temple period near the southern wall of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, Israel. The ancient seal bears a name inscribed in ancient Hebrew script and a winged figure.

A 2,700-year-old stone seal discovered in Jerusalem, Israel. Image courtesy of Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority.

“The seal, made of black stone, is one of the most beautiful seals ever found in excavations in ancient Jerusalem and is executed at the highest artistic level,” said Dr. Yuval Baruch and Dr. Navot Rom, directors of the excavation at the Israel Antiquities Authority.

“These objects, inscribed with mirror writing, served as talismans for their owners and as a means of legally signing documents and certificates.”

“It has convex notches on both sides and holes along its length so it can be put on a chain and worn around your neck.”

“In the centre is a profile of what is probably a king, winged and wearing a long striped shirt, striding to the right.”

“The figure has a long, curly mane that covers his neck and wears a hat or crown on his head.”

“The figure has one arm raised in front of him with the palm open, possibly suggesting that he is holding something.”

On either side of the statue are ancient Hebrew inscriptions. Rehoezer ben Hoshayahu.

“We believe this seal was worn around the neck as a talisman by a man named Hoshayahu, who was a high-ranking official in the administration of the kingdom of Judah,” said Dr Philip Vukosavovich, an archaeologist at the Israel Antiquities Authority.

“Hoshayahu, by virtue of his authority and position, allowed himself to be ennobled and to sport a seal bearing an awe-inspiring figure that embodied the symbols of his authority.”

“The amulet was likely made by a local craftsman, a Jew, at the request of the owner. It was made at a very high artistic level.”

“The hypothesis is that after Hoshaiah died, his son Jehoezer inherited the seal and added his own name and his father's name on either side of the demon.”

“Perhaps he did so in order to directly adopt for himself the beneficial properties that he believed the talisman embodied as a magical item.”

The name Jehoezer is better known in the Bible (1 Chronicles 12:7) as its abbreviated form, Yoezer. King David's Warriors.

“And in the Book of Jeremiah (43:2), which records the events of these times, a man with a similar name, Azariah ben Hoshaiah, is mentioned.”

“The two parts of his first name are written in reverse order to the seal bearer's name, and his surname is the same, but in an abbreviated form.”

“The text matches the name on the newly discovered seal and is appropriate for the period.”

“When we compare the shape and writing of the letters with other Hebrew seals and stamps from Jerusalem, we see that the names on the seals were carelessly engraved, in contrast to the carefully carved sculptures of demons,” said Professor Ronny Reich of the University of Haifa.

“It is possible that it was Jehoezeru himself who inscribed his name on the object.”

“This is further evidence of the literacy that existed during this time,” Dr Baruch said.

“Contrary to popular belief, literacy during this period does not appear to have been the sole domain of the elite of society.”

“People were able to read and write at least at a basic level because of commercial necessity.”

“Numerous traces of seals written in ancient Hebrew characters have been found in the City of David and in the surrounding areas of the Kingdom of Judah.”

“The distinctive Neo-Assyrian image of the winged man is unique and highly unusual for a hieroglyphic style from the Late First Temple period.”

“The influence of the Assyrian Empire, which conquered the entire region, is clearly visible here.”

“Judah in general, and Jerusalem in particular, was under the hegemony and influence of the Assyrian Empire at that time, a reality that is reflected in its culture and art.”

“That the seal's owner chose the devil as the symbol of his seal may prove that he felt he belonged to a broader cultural context, much like the people of Israel today who consider themselves part of Western culture.”

“But even in his emotions, this Jehoezer held firmly to his local identity, so his name is written in Hebrew letters and his name is a Hebrew name that belongs to the Judah culture.”

Source: www.sci.news

Leak Indicates Israel Attempted to Prevent US Lawsuit Involving Pegasus Spyware | Israel

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The Israeli government has blocked a costly U.S. lawsuit that could reveal secrets about a hacking tool called Pegasus. Documents suggest the Israeli authorities seized Pegasus spyware documentation from NSO Group to prevent the disclosure of sensitive information.

Pegasus is used to infect smartphones with hidden software that can extract data and spy on users. NSO Group’s customers include both authoritarian regimes and democracies, raising concerns about human rights abuses.

NSO has been fighting a lawsuit alleging WhatsApp vulnerabilities were exploited, compromising users in multiple countries. Israel’s close ties with NSO and the impact of the seizures on the legal battle have raised questions about the country’s involvement.

Media organizations are trying to uncover the details of the seizures and Israel’s interference in the case, shedding light on the complex relationship between NSO, Israel, and the legal system.

The documents obtained reveal the extent of Israel’s efforts to protect NSO from disclosing sensitive information demanded by the U.S. court, impacting the ongoing legal proceedings.

Israel’s covert actions have complicated WhatsApp’s attempts to obtain crucial information from NSO, highlighting the challenges faced in the legal battle.

The leaked files and emails provide insight into the behind-the-scenes activities and the attempts to prevent the exposure of sensitive information related to the Pegasus spyware.

“Strange Procedure”

Israel’s intervention in the lawsuit has raised concerns about the transparency of the legal process and the protection of national interests.


Do you have information about this story? Email stephanie.kirchgaessner@theguardian.com or send a message (from a non-work phone) using Signal or WhatsApp to +1 646 886 8761.

The legal battle between WhatsApp and NSO has revealed underlying complexities and challenges posed by the lawsuit, reflecting the broader implications of the case.

NSO’s actions and Israel’s involvement have significantly influenced the course of the lawsuit, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the legal process.

Additional reporting by Phineas Rueckert and Karine Pfenniger of Forbidden Stories.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Discovery of Silver and Bronze Coin Hoard from Gallus Revolt Unearthed in Israel

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Jewish Revolt Constantius Gallus, alias Gallus' RebellionThe Roman Civil War of 351-354 AD broke out during the Roman Civil War and was the last Jewish revolt against Rome.

Bronze and silver coins from the 4th century AD found at Lod in central Israel. Image courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority.

The 1,650-year-old treasure was discovered by archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). rodcentral Israel.

The treasury contains 94 silver and bronze coins dating from 221 to 354 AD.

“The most recent coins date to the period of Gallus' revolt (351-354 AD),” the IAA archaeologists said.

“Documentary evidence for the revolt is scarce, but there are documents that document the destruction of major Jewish communities, such as Lod, Tzipori, and Tiberias, by the armies of Constantine Gallus.”

Also found were impressive stone and marble artifacts, inscriptions in Greek, Hebrew and Latin, and inscriptions bearing the names of Jewish men of priestly descent.

“This is probably a magnificent Jewish building where the city's elders lived,” said IAA archaeologists Shahar Crispin and Mol Wiesel.

“We know from Talmudic texts that Lod was the most important center for the Jews after the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.”

“Famous 'Sages of Rod' include Rabbi Eliezer ben Horcanos, Rabbi Tarfon, Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Yossi Hagalili.”

“The building, destroyed down to its foundations, is a clear indication that the rebellion was forcibly put down with violence and brutality, and was not merely a localized uprising as previous studies have claimed.”

“This is the only evidence so far of the scope and power of this rebellion in Lod, which is in the heart of the country.”

“It is difficult to determine whether this magnificent building was used as a synagogue, a study hall, a meeting place for the elders, or all three functions combined,” said IAA professor Joshua Schwartz.

“What is clear, however, is that the size of the buildings, the coin deposits, and the assemblage of archaeological finds produced by the excavations fit well with the description of Lod/Diospolis as depicted in both Jewish and non-Jewish sources as a center of Torah-faithful Jewish life during the Mishnaic and Talmudic periods.”

“Lod's role as a leading community with elders continued from the time of its destruction until this moment, when it was brutally destroyed in the Gallus Rebellion.”

“The incredible finds made here reinforce our commitment to researching and protecting Rod's history and rich heritage,” said IAA director Eli Escuse.

“Together with the city's new exhibition centre with its beautiful rod mosaics, we will bring this building into public awareness.”

Source: www.sci.news

Discovery of Ancient Assyrian Scarab Seal in Israel

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According to a team of experts from the Israel Antiquities Authority and the University of Friborg, this unusual amulet seal is at least 2,800 years old (first temple period).

A 2,800-year-old amulet seal excavated from the Tel Rekesh ruins in Israel. Image credit: Israel Antiquities Authority.

“The scarab, made of a semi-precious stone called carnelian, depicts either a mythical griffin creature or a galloping horse with wings,” said archaeologist Professor Osmar Kiel of the University of Friborg. .

“Similar scarabs are dated to the 8th century BC.”

“A beautiful scarab beetle was discovered at the foot of the mountain.” Tel Rekesh, one of the most important stories in Galilee. ”

“The location is identified as the town of ‘Anahrat’ in the territory of the tribe of Issachar (Joshua 19:19).”

“This is one of the most important finds at Tel Rekesh, dating from the Iron Age (7th-6th century BC),” added Dr. Itzik Paz, an archaeologist with the Israel Antiquities Authority.

“At that time, a large fortress appears to have been under the control of the Assyrian Empire, which was responsible for the destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel.”

“Thus, the scarab found at the foot of Tell very likely proves Assyrian (or perhaps Babylonian) rule at the site.”

“The griffin motif on seals is a known artistic motif in ancient Near Eastern art and is commonly seen on Iron Age seals.”

“If we can actually date the seal, it may be possible to link it to the Assyrian presence at the Tell Rekesh fortress. This is a very important discovery.”

A 2,800 year old amulet seal. Image credit: Israel Antiquities Authority.

“The scarab is a type of seal that was widely used in the ancient world from the 4th millennium BC onwards,” the researchers explained.

“The scarab seal is shaped like a dung beetle, hence its name. The Egyptians considered the scarab to be a symbol of the creator god, so the Egyptian name comes from the verb 'to become' or 'to be created.' ” is derived from. ”

“Although scarabs were made from a variety of stones, including semi-precious stones such as amethyst and carnelian, most scarabs are made from steatite, a soft gray-white talcum stone, usually coated with a blue-green glaze. I was there.”

“Glaze persists only in dry climates such as Egypt, so the scarab found in Israel has very little trace of glaze. In this context, the deep orange color of this scarab is both unusual and striking. ”

The Assyrian scarab-shaped seal was discovered by Erez Abrahamov, 45, a resident of Peduel.

“I had two days off from working in the Israeli Defense Forces Reserve, so I decided to take advantage of the sunny days and go hiking,” Abrahamov said.

“As I was walking, I saw something shiny on the ground. At first I thought it was a bead or an orange stone.”

“When I picked it up, I noticed it was carved to look like a scarab or beetle.”

“I called the Israel Antiquities Authority and reported my amazing discovery.”

Source: www.sci.news

OurCrowd’s Israel Resilience Fund makes first 8 investments

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Israeli investment platform our crowd today announced $13 million in capital commitments for $50 million. Israel Resilience Funda fund launched by the organization shortly after the Israel-Hamas war, began supporting startups affected by the war or developing solutions to Israel’s immediate needs.

The fund has already provided funding to eight companies.This includes food tech startups. blue tree and carrais a startup building thermal management solutions for EVs, and both recently had to relocate their facilities.The fund is partnering with aerial imagery specialist Edgybees. Beloboticsis a robotics startup currently focused on cleaning and inspecting the facades of high-rise buildings.

Jeff Kupietzky, Jon Medved, Alon Tal, Maya Zachodin Koren – Israel Resilience Fund team members

OurCrowd plans to raise a total of $50 million for the fund, which charges no management fees or interest. The fund will invest in around 50 startups in total.

“Many Israeli venture-backed companies, already struggling due to the global venture downturn and now facing even more serious obstacles from the Gaza war, urgently need intensive investment. “It’s happening,” he explained. our crowd Founder and CEO John Medved. “The Israel Resilience Fund aims to take advantage of the current undervalued market valuations and generate significant returns for investors, while helping many Israeli companies overcome the crisis and thrive in the long term. Masu.”

Similarly, Resilience Fund managing partner Jeff Kupietzky recently sold his startup Jeeng to OpenWeb. for $100 millionsaid that in addition to financial issues, the fund is also aimed at supporting start-ups currently facing operational problems due to the war. “Startups do not know when international investors will resume investing in Israeli startups as they wait for the conflict to subside. In addition, companies are forced to hire key personnel called into reserve. While facing operational challenges, evacuations and rocket launches have created challenges to day-to-day business operations.While businesses are resilient and continue to operate, many are “We need funding to overcome this and extend the runway and support our ultimate success,” he said.

Source: techcrunch.com