By: Fern Sidman

In a year marked by a series of groundbreaking archaeological discoveries, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) has once again underscored its central role in uncovering the deep and layered history of Israel. Through a combination of professional excavations, community engagement, and rare chance findings by ordinary citizens, the IAA has illuminated facets of Jewish, Christian, and multicultural heritage that continue to shape the narrative of the Land of Israel.

As reported by the Israel Antiquities Authority on Tuesday, the 2025 excavation season yielded a stunning array of artifacts — from ancient manuscripts and ceremonial objects to monumental architectural remains — each contributing to the understanding of the civilizations that have thrived in this historic crossroads of cultures.

Rediscovering Ancient Artistry: The Be’er Shema Mosaic

One of the year’s most celebrated revelations was the public unveiling of the Be’er Shema Mosaic, a 1,600-year-old masterpiece from the Western Negev. First discovered in 1990, this intricate mosaic — meticulously preserved under the supervision of the IAA — features 55 medallions adorned with vivid hunting scenes, animals, and snapshots of everyday life. Located within the Merhavim Regional Council Complex, the mosaic’s detailed artistry reflects the vibrant cultural exchanges of the period and offers a rare glimpse into the aesthetic sensibilities of the era’s artisans.

Symbols of Faith: The 1,700-Year-Old Temple Lamp

In Jerusalem, the IAA reported the discovery of a 1,700-year-old ceramic oil lamp near the Mount of Olives, an artifact carrying immense religious significance. Embellished with symbols associated with the Jewish Temple — including a menorah, incense shovel, and lulav — the lamp is believed to have been a personal devotional item from a time when Jewish life in Jerusalem was heavily restricted. Its design ties it to the Beit Nattif workshop, an important center of Jewish ceramic production. The IAA emphasized that such finds reaffirm the enduring connection between the Jewish people and their ancestral heritage.

From the Eyes of a Child: The 3,800-Year-Old Egyptian Scarab

During a family outing near Tel Azekah, a three-year-old named Ziv Nitzan stumbled upon a 3,800-year-old Egyptian scarab, an extraordinary find confirmed by the IAA. Dating back to the Middle Bronze Age, the amulet reflects the profound cultural interactions between ancient Egypt and the Canaanite world. Presented by the IAA during Passover 2025 at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel, the scarab highlights the personal and often serendipitous nature of archaeological discovery in Israel.

The Mosaic Monastery of Kiryat Gat

IAA archaeologists working near Kiryat Gat unearthed a 1,500-year-old Byzantine monastery, its colorful mosaic floor bearing an inscription from Deuteronomy: “Blessed are you when you come in, and blessed are you when you go out.” The site includes a winepress, imported pottery, and various artifacts suggesting a thriving monastic community. Plans are underway to relocate the mosaic to a public space in Kiryat Gat, allowing wider access to this remarkable testament of early Christian life in the region.

The Hasmonean Coin Hoard of the Jordan Valley

In a significant find reported by the IAA, archaeologists from the University of Haifa uncovered a 2,000-year-old hoard of 160 rare coins in the Jordan Valley. The coins, dating back to the Hasmonean period, were discovered near a collapsed wall at an ancient weigh station along the route to the Alexandrion Fortress. The IAA hailed this as one of the largest coin hoards of its kind, offering critical insights into commerce and political dynamics during the reign of Alexander Jannaeus.

The Judean Desert Pyramid Mystery

The Judean Desert yielded another enigma when the IAA announced the discovery of a 2,200-year-old pyramid-shaped structure near the Dead Sea. Thought to originate from the Hellenistic period, the structure’s purpose remains debated — possibilities include a guard tower, a tax collection site, or a monumental tomb. The abundance of artifacts, including bronze coins and ancient Greek papyri, points to the site’s historical significance along ancient trade and military routes.

Uncovering the Garden Beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

In a finding with profound religious implications, archaeologists from Sapienza University of Rome, working under IAA oversight, identified remains of a 2,000-year-old garden beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Through pollen and seed analysis, traces of ancient olive trees and grapevines were detected, aligning with Gospel accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. The IAA noted that such evidence enhances historical understanding of the biblical landscape of first-century Jerusalem.

The Purple Dye Factory of Tel Shiqmona

At Tel Shiqmona near Haifa, IAA archaeologists uncovered the remains of a 3,000-year-old purple dye production site, an industrial complex dedicated to creating Tyrian purple — a dye reserved for royalty and priesthood in ancient times. The site’s extensive ceramic vats and tools provide a window into ancient Israel’s economic and cultural links. According to the IAA, the discovery underscores the region’s prominence in ancient craftsmanship and trade.

The Menorah Capital of Motza

In the Motza neighborhood of Jerusalem, the IAA showcased a 1,500-year-old limestone capital featuring an eight-branched menorah. First unearthed in 2020, the artifact stands out for its unique blend of Roman architectural style and Jewish symbolism. Now displayed at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel, the menorah capital invites new interpretations of cultural interactions in the late Roman and Byzantine eras.

The African Figurines of the Negev

IAA excavations at Tel Malhata in the Negev Desert revealed five rare figurines dating to the 6th or 7th century CE, including three bone and two ebony figures with distinctly African features. Found in graves of women and children, the figurines suggest the presence of a Christian community with African connections. The IAA highlighted these artifacts as evidence of the region’s multicultural interactions during the Byzantine period.

Engaging the Public in Preservation Efforts

Beyond its excavation work, the IAA has taken significant steps to engage the public through museum exhibits and volunteer programs. As part of its educational mission, the IAA offers opportunities for volunteers over 18 to join archaeological digs, contributing directly to the preservation of Israel’s heritage. Many artifacts, while too delicate for display, have been entrusted to museums and research institutions across Israel, allowing scholars and visitors alike to connect with the country’s ancient past.

A Living History for a Modern Nation

Reflecting on the scope of this year’s findings, Yoram Elgrabli, Tourism Commissioner for North America, noted, “Israel has been a crossroads of cultures and faiths long before the establishment of the modern state.” In comments shared by the IAA, Elgrabli emphasized that Israel offers a unique combination of historical depth and contemporary vibrancy — from its archaeological treasures to its modern technological innovations.

The Israel Antiquities Authority’s ongoing work in 2025 stands as a testament to Israel’s enduring legacy as a land where history lives on beneath the surface — ready to be discovered, preserved, and shared with the world.