Top Archaeological Discoveries in Israel

The Tel Dan ("House of David") Stele

Discovered at Tel Dan in 1993-94, the inscription dates to the 9th century BCE and commemorates the defeat of a coalition led by Jehoram, king of Israel, and Ahaz, king of the House of David (Judah) by the Arameans. It's important as the first mention of David outside the Bible.

The Ekron Inscription

An inscribed stone found in 1996 at Tel Miqne (Ekron of the Bible) is a temple dedication in Hebrew left by a late Philistine ruler, Ikausu (the Biblical Achish), in the 7th century BCE, when the Assyrians ruled Palestine. It reveals previously unknown Philistine adoption of Hebrew script.

The Canaanite Palace of Hazor

The palace, currently being excavated, dates back to the Late Bronze Age (circa 1400-1300 BCE). This magnificent edifice was destroyed in a great conflagration, probably by the Israelites. Found in the debris: stone and metal statues, ivory and metal implements and clay tablets from the Canaanite kingdom of Hazor.

Jerusalem Excavations

The large excavations near the Western Wall and the Temple Mount complex begun after the Six-Day War have dramatically expanded understanding of Jerusalem's history.

Masada

Excavations, started by Yigal Yadin in 1963, gradually unveiled the dramatic confrontation at Masada between a Roman legion and Jewish freedom fighters in a Herodian fortress at the time of the Second Temple (73 CE).

Phoenician Shipwrecks

Two almost intact Phoenician shipwrecks from the 7th or 8th century BCE were found in the summer of 1999 on the ocean floor off the Israeli coast. It is hoped their contents will increase knowledge about maritime trade and seamanship in the late Iron Age.

Source: Jerusalem Report, (Oct. 11, 1999)