Archaeologists uncovered an “exceptional” cave in Israel in early September that has been sealed for an estimated 3,300 years, filled with artifacts and possible human burial from the time of Ramesses II.
Construction workers discovered the cave when they accidentally penetrated the roof while digging just a few feet away from a beach in the southern area of Tel Aviv, LiveScience reported. When the team entered the cave, they found it had “appeared to have frozen in time,” with bronzed goods, ceramics, typically associated with burial ceremonies, the outlet continued.
The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) were brought into the scene and dated the discovery to roughly 3,300 years ago when Ramesses II controlled an empire stretching from Syria to Sudan, including the area now known as Israel, LiveScience noted. The IAA’s Uzi Rothschild told the Times of Israel that the discovery is “simply amazing,” with one of his colleagues reportedly saying “wow, wow,” behind him.
Footage of the cave was shared by the IAA on their YouTube channel Sunday, revealing the almost perfectly ceramics, which included chalices, deep and shallow bowls, pots used for cooking, storage, and lamps. IAA Bronze Age expert Eli Yannai said that “this is a once-in-a-lifetime find,” adding that the materials likely came from Lebanon, Syria, and Cyprus, the Times of Israel continued.
Amazing!