Grave Robbers Have Way to Mysterious Ruins

In Israel, archaeologists have discovered the remains of a basilica. Under the building there was a huge tunnel system, the Jewish rebels against the Romans offered shelter. Experts suspect there is even the grave of a biblical prophet.

Ornate mosaic floor of the basilica, the remains of Israeli archaeologists have uncovered cover. In the church, which was destroyed by an earthquake about 1,300 years, experts suspect another artifact: the grave of the biblical prophet Zechariah.

The Israeli Antiquities announced that the first sign of the ruin in the prosecution of grave robbers was discovered. Employees of the Office was an outstanding out of the ground structure at about 40 kilometers south of Jerusalem site. The grave robbers got away once, they were made according to the authorities several months later. Stored at the site of archaeological remains free to the basilica, including the well-preserved mosaics. On them flowers, animals and geometric shapes are seen.

Hiding place for insurgents

Beneath the building there is a system of caves and tunnels, which originated in the so-called Second Temple Period, which lasted from 515 BC to 70 AD. There, the archaeologists discovered among other coins from the time of the first Jewish War (66-73 AD) and the Bar Kokhba revolt (132 to 135) – two phases of the conflict between the Jewish people and the Roman occupiers. Also clay and stone vessels, and lamps were found in the rooms. Most likely, the researchers said, have Jewish rebels hiding in the caves during the riots.

The excavation site is located according to experts in the field of a larger settlement that was destroyed during the Bar Kochba revolt. And discovered under the basilica, older rooms may in its early days the biblical prophet Zechariah houses have. This would suggest at least local archaeologist said the Antiquities. This hypothesis is now being reviewed. The Prophet said to have lived about 515 BC.

The Basilica was built later, could therefore have originated in memory of him. The building is adorned not only the mosaics: According to the Antiquities, the nave was supported by eight marble columns, whose statements have been specially imported from Turkey. The church was probably from the fifth to the seven centuries used as a church until it was destroyed by an earthquake.