A new road project between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem has become an archaeological dig after the remains of a 1,500-year-old church were unearthed.
The new highway roughly follows the course of an accent road that would’ve been paved during the Roman period. The church, which dates from the Byzantine period, lies at what was probably a rest stop by a spring called ‘Ain Naqa’a.
Elizabeth Goldbaum on Live Science has the details of the building.
“Other settlements and road stations have previously been discovered that served those traveling the route in ancient times,” Annette Nagar, the director of the excavation on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, said in a statement.
“This road station ceased to be used at the end of the Byzantine period, although the road beside which it was built was renewed and continued to be in use until modern times.”
Archaeologists also found fragments of red-colored plaster that could have come from frescoes on the walls of the church as well as oil lamps, coins, special glass vessels, marble fragments and mother-of-pearl shells.
Originally published by Cosmos as Ancient church unearthed in Israel
Bill Condie
Bill Condie is a science journalist based in Adelaide, Australia.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.