A woman hiking on an unnamed archaeological site in eastern Galilee picked up a gold coin with the image of Emperor Augustus. High-res images are available here.
Luke Chandler reports on a new excavation at Khirbet Arai, not far from Tel Lachish. The first week has already revealed two massive structures as well as Philistine pottery.
Douglas Petrovich has done some interesting work related to the Israelite presence in Egypt. He has started a Kickstarter project to raise funds to publish a book on it.
The lyre depicted on Israel’s half-shekel is based on a seal now known to be forged. A larger drawing of the forged seal is online here.
A 19-year-old American spent the night in Solomon’s Quarries to dig for treasure.
The publication of Yadin’s final report from his Megiddo excavations will be celebrated at an event at Hebrew U on April 5.
In Photos: Members of an Israeli historical group dressed up in costume for a three-day hike from Jericho to Jerusalem.
The plan to enlarge the mixed prayer area in the Jerusalem Archaeological Park next to the Western Wall prayer plaza is apparently dead.
Archaeologists are opposing plans to build a hotel and apartment buildings in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Abu Tor, the traditional “Hill of Evil Counsel.”
Ferrell Jenkins shares a photo of one of the best preserved stretches of Roman roads in Israel.
Ashkelon excavation veterans are invited to a closing celebration as the thirty-year project ends.
HT: Charles Savelle, Joseph Lauer, Agade, Ted Weis, Daniel Wright
6 thoughts on “Weekend Roundup, Part 1”
Regarding the gold coin, how is it possible that such a old coin is simply lying on top of the ground in 2016? This story seems impossible to me.
Coins are found on the surface all the time, but they're usually not gold and often not turned in. They somehow work their way to the surface, often with the help of rain, erosion, and rodents. The best time to find coins is after it rains and she found this after the rainy winter season.
Robert, sometimes rain can wash away sediment that had previously covered objects for centuries.
Thanks, Todd! We were typing similar responses at the same time!
Wow, I never knew that. I'll pay more attention on my next visit! Thank you for your answer.
I'm so happy to see that Dr. Petrovich's book-project got funded today! Big congratulations to him!