Triangular Structure Near Dead Sea Has Coins From Antiochus IV, Numerous Artefacts

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — A large pyramid-shaped structure, beneath which lies a 2,200-year-old roadside station from the time of the Ptolemaic and Seleucid rulers, is currently being uncovered north of Nahal Zohar in the southern Judean Desert. The excavation, led by the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Ministry of Heritage, includes volunteers from across the country.

Among the findings unearthed so far are fragments of written papyrus documents, bronze coins from the time of Antiochus IV (the Antiochus associated with Chanukah) and the Ptolemaic kings, weapons, wooden artifacts, and pieces of fabric.

According to Matan Toledano, Dr. Eitan Klein, and Amir Ganor, directors of the excavation on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, “This is one of the richest and most intriguing excavations in the Judean Desert. The structure we discovered is massive, with hand-carved stones weighing hundreds of kilograms each. Within the first week, volunteers already found historical documents, unique bronze items, and remnants of ancient furniture — all remarkably preserved thanks to the desert climate. This site holds great promise — new discoveries are emerging constantly, and we’re eager to see what the next three weeks will reveal.”

The excavation at Nahal Zohar is part of a large-scale operation led by the Israel Antiquities Authority to rescue archaeological finds in the Judean desert from looters. This national project began about eight years ago, jointly funded by the Ministry of Heritage, the Archaeology Department of the Civil Administration, and the Israel Antiquities Authority. A dedicated survey team systematically scanned 180 kilometers of cliffs throughout the Judean Desert, identifying approximately 900 caves. Using rappelling equipment, advanced technologies, and unique documentation methods, they uncovered thousands of rare items — including ancient scrolls, papyrus fragments, wooden artifacts, weapons, textiles, leather items, woven mats, and coin hoards.

papyrus with Greek letters

“This excavation is reshaping our historical understanding of the site,” say Toledano, Klein, and Ganor. “Contrary to previous assumptions that dated the structure to the First Temple period, it now appears to have been built later — during the Hellenistic period under Ptolemaic rule. We still don’t know for sure what the structure’s purpose was. Was it a military base guarding an important trade route that transported salt and asphalt from the Dead Sea to the coastal region? Or perhaps, at some point, the massive structure atop the mountain served as a tomb marker or a monument in ancient times? This is an exciting historical mystery — and we’re thrilled that the public is joining us in uncovering the answers.”

According to Eli Eskosido, Director of the Israel Antiquities Authority: “The Judean Desert Survey is one of the most important archaeological operations in the country’s history. The discoveries are thrilling, and their significance for archaeological and historical research is profound. Just before Passover and with the arrival of spring, I invite the people of Israel to come and participate. In these challenging times, a few days of exploration and discovery in the Judean Desert can be an uplifting and unifying experience for everyone.”

The Israel Antiquities Authority has set up a camp at the site for volunteers, providing food and water, and evening lectures on archaeology are held daily. The excavation is expected to continue for another three weeks. More details can be found on the Israel Antiquities Authority website.