Secrets Beneath the Sand: Archaeologists Discover Ancient Pyramid in Israel’s Desert

The excavation is part of an ongoing Judean Desert project launched eight years ago to protect archaeological sites from looting.

By Pesach Benson, TPS

Israeli archaeologists have discovered a mysterious, 2,200-year-old pyramid-shaped structure in the Judean Desert that raises more questions than answers about its purpose and significance, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced on Tuesday.

Located north of Nahal Zohar near the Dead Sea, the massive structure was built with meticulously hand-hewn stones, each weighing hundreds of kilograms. Beneath it lies a way station used by ancient travelers.

Artifacts uncovered at the site include Greek papyrus documents, bronze coins from the Ptolemaic and Seleucid periods, ancient weapons, wooden tools, and well-preserved fabrics.

“What we have here is one of the richest and most intriguing archaeological excavations ever found in the Judean Desert,” said Matan Toledano, Dr. Eitan Klein, and Amir Ganor, the excavation directors on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority.

“This pyramidal structure is enormous, and the preservation of historical documents, bronze vessels, and ancient furniture due to the desert climate is extraordinary. Every moment brings new discoveries, and we are eager to see what the next three weeks will reveal.”

The newly discovered pyramid-shaped structure challenges previous theories about the site.

“Contrary to earlier hypotheses that attributed this building to the First Temple period, evidence now suggests it was constructed later, during the Hellenistic period, when the land of Israel was under Ptolemaic rule,” Toledano, Klein, and Ganor said.

“We still don’t know for certain what its purpose was. Could it have been a guard tower protecting a crucial trade route for Dead Sea resources like salt and bitumen? Was it a grand monument or a burial site? It remains a thrilling historical mystery, and the public volunteers are playing a crucial role in helping us uncover the answers,” they said.

The excavation is part of an ongoing Judean Desert project launched eight years ago to protect archaeological sites from looting.

The Israel Antiquities Authority, the Ministry of Heritage, the Judea and Samaria Civil Administration Archaeology Department, and the Robbery Prevention Unit have been systematically surveying 180 kilometers of desert cliffs, identifying nearly 900 caves.

Using specialized climbing gear, advanced technology, and precise documentation methods, archaeologists have uncovered thousands of rare artifacts, including hidden scrolls, papyrus fragments, wooden utensils, weapons, leather items, and coin hoards.

The Nahal Zohar excavation is “one of the most important archaeological operations in Israel’s history.” Antiquities Authority director Eli Escusido said.

“The discoveries are not only exciting but deeply meaningful for archaeological and historical research. With Passover approaching and the arrival of spring, we invite people from across Israel to join us. In these challenging times, spending a few days in the Judean Desert, engaging in discovery, and connecting with our history is a powerful and uplifting experience,” he added.

The excavation is set to continue for another three weeks.

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