“Ancient Secrets Unearthed: Pyramid, Weapons, and Enigmatic Papyri Found in Judean Desert Spark Theories of Lost Civilizations!”
In an unexpected twist that could give Indiana Jones a run for his money, archaeologists scouring the Judean Desert recently stumbled upon a massive ancient pyramid, built from hefty hand-hewn stones, some tipping the scales at hundreds of pounds! Imagine—while aiming to uncover more Dead Sea Scrolls, they unearth a 2,200-year-old structure that begs the question: Who knew ancient builders could make pyramids outside of Egypt? Located near Israel’s border with Jordan, this intriguing find stands about 20 feet tall and dates back to the Hellenistic period, a time when Greek culture was sweeping across the Mediterranean. As researchers sort through a treasure trove of artifacts, including ancient coins and remnants of furniture, the mystery of this pyramid’s purpose deepens. Was it a guard tower? A memorial? Or perhaps a tax collection site for weary travelers? With the public invited to help sift through the sands of history, this excavation promises to unravel secrets that have been buried for millennia—so buckle up for an exhilarating journey into the past! LEARN MORE.
Found in the Zohar Valley near Israel’s border with Jordan, this massive pyramid is made of hand-hewn stones, many weighing several hundred pounds.
Israel Antiquities AuthorityThe ancient pyramid structure, dating back 2,200 years, that was discovered in the Judean Desert.
Archaeologists searching the Judean Desert in hopes of finding additional Dead Sea Scrolls recently made an unexpected discovery of an ancient pyramid structure.
Located 72 miles south of Jerusalem, the pyramid stands roughly 20 feet tall and is comprised of large, heavy stones that were hand-hewn roughly 2,200 years ago. Artifacts found at the site, such as coins, weapons, and furniture, date the structure back to the Hellenistic period (323 B.C.E. to 30 B.C.E.), when Greek culture rapidly spread across the Mediterranean world.
Although the ample artifacts found at the scene have helped narrow down the structure’s age, they have left puzzling questions about the purpose of the site. While archaeologists debate the possible purposes of the structure — ranging from guard tower to monumental burial site — the public has been called to aid the excavation crew in their quest to unravel the mysteries of this ancient desert pyramid.
Archaeologists Uncover A Mysterious Pyramid Dating Back 2,200 Years In The Judean Desert
Israel Antiquities AuthorityArchaeologists conduct a full excavation of the ancient pyramid.
In 2017, Israel’s Ministry of Heritage and the Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA) began a large-scale project to survey and excavate large areas of the Judean Desert. Located in the West Bank and Israel, the desert stretches as far south as the Dead Sea and covers an area of 1,560 square miles.
During the almost decade-long excavation project, archaeologists have surveyed more than 100 miles of desert and 900 caves, uncovering artifacts like papyri, tools, weapons, leather goods, and coins.
Recently, a team of archaeologists led by Matan Toledano, Dr. Eitan Klein, and Amir Ganor was examining an area in Nahal Zohar when they discovered something completely unexpected. Originally hoping to find additional Dead Sea Scrolls, the crew stumbled upon a 2,200-year-old pyramid structure from the Hellenistic period, an era when Greek culture rapidly spread across the Mediterranean.
The pyramid, standing nearly 20 feet tall, is comprised of large hand-hewn stones, many of which weigh hundreds of pounds. Surrounding the structure, the research team discovered a wealth of artifacts, including furniture, vessels, and coins.
Israel Antiquities AuthorityAn ancient sewing needle discovered inside the pyramid.
“In the first excavation week, the volunteers found written historical documents, exceptional bronze vessels, and remains of ancient furniture, which thanks to the desert climate were preserved in amazing condition,” the crew explained in their statement. “Every moment new findings are discovered, and we are filled with anticipation for what else the next three weeks might reveal.”
Decoding The Mysteries Of The Judean Desert Pyramid
Israel Antiquities AuthorityArchaeologists search for more artifacts to shed light on the origins and use of the pyramid.
Due to the large number of historical artifacts discovered both in and around the pyramid, experts wondered if the site served as a strategic outpost in ancient times.
At first, archaeologists assumed that the structure was a burial site from the First Temple period, between the 10th and 6th centuries B.C.E. However, artifacts at the site, such as Greek papyri and coins minted under the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, king of the Seleucid Empire, show that the structure was in use during the 3rd and early 2nd centuries B.C.E.
Israel Antiquities AuthoritySome of the ancient Greek papyri discovered at the site.
Artifacts found at the site also point to the pyramid being used as a possible guard tower or tax-collection center. It is possible that merchants traveling through the desert stopped at the structure to pay fees.
