Just west of Jerusalem, a massive Neolithic city was revealed; according to Ancient City Near Jerusalem NYT, it is the largest Neolithic city ever discovered in Israel.
At its height, the roughly half-kilometer-long community would have been home to 2,000–3,000 New Stone Age people. Amazingly, though, archaeologists had no expectations of finding anything there.
In a statement, researchers from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) clarified that it had previously been thought that this area of Israel was deserted and that communities of this magnitude were only found in the Northern Levant or on the other side of the Jordan River. Instead, they found the city only dozens of millimeters below the surface, due to excavations done as part of an effort to create a new roadway into Jerusalem.
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Fascinating Facts About the Ancient City Near Jerusalem NYT
The IAA's excavation directors, Drs. Jacob Vardi and Hamoudi Khalaily, stated, "This is the first time that such a large-scale settlement from the Neolithic period – 9,000 years ago – is discovered in Israel." "This place had at least 2,000–3,000 inhabitants, which is comparable to a modern city in terms of size!"
Large buildings, residences, and chambers that were clearly used for dwelling, public amenities, and ceremonial sites were discovered at the village, which was only 5 kilometers (3 miles) from Jerusalem. Alleyways between the buildings had a complicated location that may indicate sophisticated urban Ancient City Near Jerusalem NYT.
The discovery of burial sites also provided intriguing information about the ancient people's communication and commerce status with other distant locations, as well as their connection and perceptions of the deceased through offerings and presents.
"Burning places have been exposed in and among the houses, into which various burial offerings – either useful or precious objects, believed to serve the deceased in the next world." The IAA stated that "where people live, there are dead people too."
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Unveiling the Mysteries of the Ancient City Near Jerusalem
"These gifts attest to the fact that the people who lived here had exchange relationships with distant places even in this ancient period."
Stone-carved figures, an ox-shaped clay figurine, Anatolian obsidian (volcanic or "dragon" glass) artifacts, seashells from the Mediterranean and Red Sea, stone bracelets, alabaster beads, and mother-of-pearl bracelets and medallions are among the things discovered.
Archaeologists discovered items they believe were made on the village, such as sickle blades and knives, axes for chopping trees, and flint arrowheads. Bones from animals discovered on the site also showed that while hunting had declined, the settlement's inhabitants were becoming more and more dependent on raising sheep.
A Historical Overview of the Ancient City Near Jerusalem
Amazingly, they also discovered grain store sheds that still held a significant amount of remarkably preserved legumes, especially lentils. Agriculture developed during the Neolithic, or New Stone Age, period, which started around 12,000 years ago. According to the experts, this city's heyday would have coincided with the height of the Neolithic revolution.
This city and its material goods are unprecedented for this time period in this region," Dr. Vardin told the Times of Israel.
FAQs: Ancient City Near Jerusalem NYT
What is the name of the historic city that lies close to Jerusalem?
According to the Bible, Jebus was the name of an ancient Jerusalem community that was established as early as the Bronze Age on the hill above the Gihon Spring. In antiquity, it was referred to as the "City of David" after being dubbed the "Fortress of Zion" (metsudat Zion).
What are Jerusalem's ancient city's four fours?
The Muslim, Christian, Armenian, and Jewish quarters are the four lopsided sections that today make up the Old City.
