2,700-Year-Old Farmhouse Discovered Outside Tel Aviv

Excavations performed by the Israel Antiquities Authority just outside Tel Aviv recently yielded the discovery of a 2,700-year-old farmhouse, a Byzantine monastery, and several ancient artifacts.

The 24-room structure [the farmhouse], some of whose walls were preserved over two metres high, was built around a central courtyard, where remnants of ancient grain storage and production were found. Two silver coins dating from the fourth century BCE bearing the image of the Greek goddess Athena and her iconic owl were also uncovered in the ruins.

“In addition, we found simple presses hewn from the stone, which were used for producing olive oil,” Amit Shadman, the IAA archaeologist who headed the dig, said in a statement.

Archaeologists also dug up the ruins of a Byzantine monastery, complete with a large mosaic floor bearing Greek inscriptions in its church, olive presses, residences and stables. The inscription says that the structure was built “under Theodosius the monk” and reads “Blessed be your arrival, blessed be your departure, Amen.”

IFCJ News