BIBLE HISTORY DAILY

Hasmonean Farm Identified in West Jerusalem

Bible and archaeology news

Archaeologists with the Israel Antiquities Authority have uncovered a large, well-constructed agricultural estate in west Jerusalem that dates to the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The remains, which include a wine press, outdoor stoves, canals and large amounts of pottery, were first discovered during construction work on a rail line in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Kiryat Hayovel. Given the remains that have been identified so far, archaeologists believe there is much more to be discovered.

“We discovered rock foundations in the buildings, pointing to a huge investment,” said lead archaeologist Daniel Ein Mor. “The quality of the construction is excellent, so I wouldn’t be surprised if future findings reveal it is even something bigger, maybe a settlement.”

Located some distance from the walls of Hellenistic and Roman Jerusalem, Ein Mor believes the farm was likely built to take advantage of the cultivable, terraced fields surrounding the nearby Ein Karem stream.