“Unearthed Wonders: How a Massive Ancient City Could Rewrite Our Understanding of the Bronze Age”
As if the discovery of an entire ancient city wasn’t invigorating enough, archaeologists also uncovered a religious temple they believe is 2,000 years older than En Esur itself.
EPAThe ancient city was discovered during the construction of a highway interchange near the town of Harish.
If the dating is accurate, then the discovery indicates that people purposefully settled and developed near the temple.
“What we are calling a temple is a very unique building, we don’t know of anything like it,” said Shalem.
There are two active springs nearby as well, suggesting that the area was ideal for settlement.
Researchers also found several ancient objects that were likely used for religious purposes. These included charred animal bones, believed to have been used in sacrifices, and large stone basins.
AFP/Getty ImagesAnimal figurines were found at the site as well as a stone replica of a human head and millions of flint tools and pottery fragments.
Furthermore, researchers found millions of flint tools and fragments of pottery, animal figurines, a stone replica of a human head, and a seal depicting a man next to an animal.
Some of the tools discovered apparently came from Egypt. The IAA said these finds “allow us to look beyond the material into the spiritual life of the large community that lived at the site.”
Some of the basins weighed up to 15 tons. As such, transporting them to En Esur would’ve required quarrying and carrying them to the city from a site that was miles away. This further reinforces how carefully planned and developed the city really was.
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