IDF reservists unearthed a Byzantine vessel that is about 1.9 thousand years old.
This is reported by Jewish News Syndicate.
Israeli fighters were patrolling a border military zone near the Gaza Strip when they came across a Byzantine-era basalt mortar and pestle. The weight of the artifact was more than 10 kg.
This discovery was made by Lieutenant Colonel Yair Amitsur and Lieutenant Colonel Eliashiv Bogbot. The former is in charge of civil affairs for the IDF’s 143rd Gaza Division, but also, by a surprising coincidence, works as an archaeologist and tour guide for the Israel Antiquities Authority.
During a routine patrol, their attention was drawn to a pile of dirt on the side of the road, from which a round basalt block stood out. When they pulled it out, it turned out that we were talking about a rather large and heavy object. Yair immediately realized that this was an ancient instrument.
“This discovery is exceptional given the presence of basalt, a material typically found in northern regions or remote areas. The mortar was likely transported here and was once used in a local resident’s home to grind grain or other products, powered by a heavy sixth,” Amitsur said.
Mortars and pestles were commonly used to grind dry foods such as grains and lentils. These tools, which among other things allowed for the preparation of flour, were common in homes, while in industrial areas millstones were used to grind more flour.
Amitsur said the artifact serves as a reminder that the Western Negev was inhabited by different cultures for generations.
“The Land of Israel… is rich in history and ancient finds, and the Antiquities Authority is working with the IDF to preserve them even in a military situation,” said the Antiquities Authority, which has already transferred the Byzantine vessel.
Earlier, Cursor reported that the remains of a new species of people were found near Jerusalem.
2024-01-08 14:33:42
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