Monday, October 7, 2019

Ancient 'New York': 5,000-year-old city discovered in Israel

Aerial view of the excavation site reveals an organized grid system of the ancient city.

The remains of a 5,000-year-old cityhave been discovered in Israel - the largest and oldest such find in the region. The city was home to 6,000 people and included planned roads, neighbourhoods, a ritual temple and fortifications. An even earlier settlement, believed to be 7,000 years old, was discovered beneath the city.

An overhead photo of the excavation site gives a clear view of the planned design of the ancient city. A stone basin that looks similar in shape to a tub


 Israeli archaeologists said the discovery was the most significant in the region from that era. "This is the Early Bronze Age New York of our region; a cosmopolitan and planned city where thousands of inhabitants lived," the excavation directors said in a statement. "There is no doubt that this site dramatically changes what we know about the character of the period and the beginning of urbanization in Israel," the statement added. Known as En Esur, the site spans 650 dunams (161 acres), about double the size of previous similar findings.


A collection of 15 small figurines made of stone, most shaped like people or animals A close up image of a small stone figurine depicting a person's head


 The design of the city included designated residential and public areas, streets and alleys, the Israel Antiquities Authority said. About four million fragments were found at the site, including rare figurines of humans and animals, pieces of pottery and various tools, some of which came from Egypt. Burnt animal bones found on the site provided evidence of sacrificial offerings. Inhabitants of the city - who were likely drawn to the area by two fresh water springs, fertile land and proximity to trade routes - made their living from agriculture, trading with different regions and cultures. Archeologists had been excavating the site for more than two and a half years, with 5,000 teenagers and volunteers participating. The settlement was discovered during excavations preceding the construction of a new road.

Plastic coverings hang over the excavation site as workers walk along stone-lined paths

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