A significant archaeological excavation is currently being conducted in the Judean Desert, where a gigantic 2,200-year-old pyramidal monument, which dates back to the Hellenistic period, has been unearthed. The excavation, led by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage, is located north of Nahal Zohar and includes volunteers from across the country.

The excavation of the site. Credit: Judean Desert Survey Unit, Israel Antiquities Authority

The site has already yielded a wealth of artifacts from the past, like papyrus scrolls written in Greek, bronze coins from Ptolemaic rulers and Antiochus IV, weapons, wooden spoons, and textiles.

The excavation is part of a wide-ranging campaign launched eight years ago to protect archaeological sites in the Judean Desert from looting and unauthorized excavations. The project is funded by the Ministry of Heritage, the Judea and Samaria Civil Administration Archaeology Department, and the Israel Antiquities Authority.

Excavation by the Israel Antiquities Authority and volunteers, north of Nahal Zohar. Credit: Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority

The project is led on behalf of the IAA by Matan Toledano, Dr. Eitan Klein, and Amir Ganor and explained that the discovery was among the richest and most fascinating to ever be uncovered in the Judean Desert. “This pyramidal structure is huge and made of hand-hewn stones, each one weighing hundreds of kilograms. In the first excavation week, the volunteers found written historical documents, exceptional bronze vessels and remains of ancient furniture, which thanks to the desert climate were preserved in amazing condition,” they said. “Every moment new findings are discovered, and we are filled with anticipation for what else the next three weeks might reveal.”

A piece of papyrus with Greek writing found by the excavation volunteers. Credit: Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority.An ancient ʙuттon. Credit: Robbery Prevention Unit, Israel Antiquities Authority

The excavation is reshaping our historical understanding of the site. Scholars previously believed the structure was constructed during the First Temple period, but recent discoveries show that it was built later, during the Hellenistic period, when Israel was under Ptolemaic rule. The real purpose of the pyramid remains a mystery.

“Is this a guard tower, guarding an important commercial route through which the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ Sea resources of salt and bitumen were transported to the coastal ports? Or at some point was this enormous structure on the mountaintop marking a grave, or serving as a monument in ancient history?” the excavation leaders pondered. “It is a historical mystery – and to our delight, the public coming to volunteer in the excavation are our partners in uncovering the answers.”

Credit: Israel Antiquities Authority

The extended Judean Desert survey has been one of the biggest-ever archaeological projects undertaken in Israel’s history. Over the past eight years, the Robbery Prevention Unit of the Israel Antiquities Authority has surveyed some 180 kilometers of desert cliffs and identified around 900 caves. Thousands of precious artifacts have been recovered by archaeologists using advanced technology and abseiling equipment, among them hidden scrolls, papyrus, woodwork tools, weapons, leather items, and coin hoards.

As excavation efforts continue, researchers remain optimistic that more revelations await beneath the desert sands.