Ancient Settlement Unearthed in Israel

Israeli archaeologists excavating near the city of Beit Shemesh have unearthed an extensive complex of ritual baths and underground refuges used by Bar Kokhba’s rebels.

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The newly-discovered settlement, whose ancient name is unknown, has so far yielded eight ritual baths, cisterns, refuges, and rock-hewn industrial installations.

“The settlement’s extraordinary significance lies in its imposing array of private ritual baths, which were incorporated in the residential buildings,” said Dr. Sarah Hirshberg, Dr. Shua Kisilevitz and Dr. Sarah Levevi-Eilat, excavation directors on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority.

“Each household had its own ritual bath and a cistern.”

“Some of the baths uncovered are simple and others are more complex and include an otzar, or collecting basin, into which the rainwater would drain.”

“It’s interesting to note that the local inhabitants adhered strictly to the rules regarding purity and impurity.”



Ritual baths. Image credit: Assaf Peretz / Israel Antiquities Authority.

Underneath the dwellings and rock-hewn installations, another surprising discovery was unearthed, dating to the time of the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132-135 CE) — ‘a winding labyrinth of hiding refuges connected to sophisticated and elaborate complexes.’

In some of the underground complexes, Bar Kokhba’s rebels breached a cistern to provide those in hiding with access to water.

One of the caves also yielded intact ceramic jars and cooking pots that were probably used by the rebels.

The finds show that the settlement continued to exist even after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE.

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