Scientists in Israel have been left baffled after discovering a ‘mysterious’ pyramidal structure filled with ancient treasures in the Judean Desert.
The ‘incredible desert fortress’, about 2,200 years old, was uncovered at the Nahal Zohar valley near the Dead Sea in east Israel.
Unlike the perfectly arranged blocks of Egypt‘s pyramids, the 20ft-high formation is made of painstakingly hand-hewn stones, each one weighing hundreds of pounds.
Findings among the stones include documents written in Greek on papyrus – a material similar to paper, made from the pith of the papyrus plant.
There’s also 2,200-year-old weapons, fabrics, baskets, beads and bronze coins, say excavators from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).
‘The discoveries are exciting and even emotional, and their significance for archaeological and historical research is enormous,’ said Eli Escusido, IAA director.
However, the purpose and significance of this pyramidal formation are leaving the explorers scratching their heads.
They do not know for certain what the building’s purpose was, but it could have been erected as a grave or historical monument.
The experts still do not know for certain what the building’s purpose was, although it could have been erected as a grave or historical monument. Alternatively, it may have been a guard tower – a lookout post to protect an important commercial route through which the Dead Sea resources of salt and bitumen were transported to the coastal ports
Findings include documents written in Greek on papyrus – a material similar to paper, made from the pith of the papyrus plant
Alternatively, it may have been a guard tower – a lookout post to protect an important commercial route along the Dead Sea, which is a landlocked salt lake with Jordan on the other side.
Around 2,000 years ago, prized resources such as salt and bitumen – a substance used in the ancient world as glue, mortar and waterproofing – would’ve been transported along it.
When these precious commodities reached coastal ports around the Dead Sea, they would have been purchased by wealthy traders.
According to IAA, which is excavating with help from volunteers, the pyramidal edifice dates to when the Egyptian Ptolemaic dynasty and Greek Seleucid dynasty ruled Israel.
At some point, it had a ‘way station’ beneath it – a stopping point for travellers on a long journey – from the days of the Ptolemaic and Seleucid rulers.
The era is evident from the bronze coins featuring markings from the Ptolemies and of Antiochus IV, the king of the Seleucid Empire.
In a joint statement, excavation directors Matan Toledano, Dr Eitan Klein and Amir Ganor called it a ‘very promising site’ in an ‘amazing condition’.
‘What we have here is one of the richest and most intriguing archaeological excavations ever found in the Judean Desert,’ they said.
Site findings so far include papyrus documents written in Greek, bronze coins of the Ptolemies and of Antiochus IV, weapons, wooden tools and fabrics. Pictured, a button
Excavation directors Matan Toledano, Dr Eitan Klein and Amir Ganor called it a ‘very promising site’ in an ‘amazing condition’
The ‘huge’ pyramidal structure, described as an ‘incredible desert fortress’, is made of painstakingly hand-hewn stones, each one weighing hundreds of pounds
‘This pyramidal structure we discovered is huge and made of hand-hewn stones, each one weighing hundreds of kilograms.
‘Already in the first excavation week, the volunteers found written historical documents, exceptional bronze vessels and remains of ancient furniture.
‘Every moment new findings are discovered, and we are filled with anticipation for what else the next three weeks might produce.’
The experts say the structure is shaped like a pyramid, but not a pyramid in the way one might typically imagine, like the famous ones in Egypt.
Regardless, the Judean region’s extreme dryness has preserved its hidden treasures in an ‘extraordinary way’.
The excavation is part of an extensive operation begun about eight years ago to save archaeological finds which are ‘endangered by constant illicit excavation and thieving’ in the region.
A dedicated ‘robbery prevention unit’ team systematically searched the entire Judean Desert region along over 100 miles of cliffs, and located about 900 caves, as well as the pyramidal mound.
With the help of abseiling equipment, thousands of rare items were uncovered in these caves, such as deliberately-hidden scrolls, papyrus fragments, wooden utensils, weapons, leather items and coin hoards.
Colourful beads found in the excavation by volunteers and archeologists at the Israel Antiquities Authority
An ancient sewing needle, according to the experts
According to IAA, which is excavating with help from volunteers, the edifice dates back to when the Egyptian Ptolemaic dynasty and Greek Seleucid dynasty ruled Israel
The IAA and Ministry of Heritage is still inviting the public to join what they describe as ‘one of the richest desert excavations ever conducted’.
Experts have set up an organized camp to accommodate volunteers, provide food and water, and offer lectures about archaeology every evening.
The excavation will continue for another three weeks and those interested in participating can register on its website.
It is an enthralling historical mystery,’ the IAA said in a statement.
‘To our delight, the public coming to volunteer in the excavation are our partners in uncovering the answers.’