Fascinating Discovery: Ancient Jewish Settlement Uncovered in Southern Jerusalem

Significant and impressive remains of a Jewish rural settlement from the Hasmonean period—about 2,000 years ago—have been uncovered in recent months during archaeological excavations conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority in the Sharafat neighborhood (near Beit Safafa, close to the Gilo neighborhood) in southern Jerusalem, in preparation for the construction of a local school.

At the site, a large wine production area featuring numerous jar shards intended for collecting the must was discovered, alongside a large columbarium cave (dove tower), an olive oil press, a large mikveh—adding to another mikveh found previously—water cisterns, and caves.

The highlight of the excavation is a luxurious mausoleum, which included a corridor leading to a large rock-hewn courtyard surrounded by benches. An entranceway to the burial cave was chiseled at the front. As was common in Jewish burial caves during the Second Temple period, this cave featured several rooms, with long burial niches embedded in its walls for laying the deceased. After the cave was documented by archaeologists, it was sealed at the request of rabbinical authorities to prevent any future desecration of the tomb.

Yaakov Billig, Director of the excavation for the Antiquities Authority, believes that "wealthy or important family members from the Hasmonean period were buried here. The mausoleum served for the burial of family members over several generations, as was customary at the time."

Filled earth that covered the courtyard contained large building stones, some of which were crafted and decorated with the finest Second Temple architectural styles. Among the unique findings was a heart-shaped column capital and several designed cornices. These stone items are exceedingly rare and were generally incorporated into luxury buildings and mausoleums in Jerusalem, such as that of the priestly family Bnei Hezir in the Kidron Valley and several tombs in the Sanhedria neighborhood.

The current excavation site is likely only a small part of an ancient settlement that extended southward. The excavation uncovers an agricultural rural area that specialized in wine and oil production and dove breeding. Dove breeding was done using the columbarium—a special facility, of which several dozen can be found around Jerusalem. The breeding of doves was a major agricultural branch during the Second Temple period and later periods, for several reasons: the doves and their eggs were used for food. They were also offered as sacrifices in the Temple, which was about an hour's walk from the settlement. Furthermore, the rich mineral pigeon droppings, which rapidly decompose in soil, were utilized as a highly valued fertilizer, facilitating the flourishing of fruit orchards and vegetable gardens.

Excavation site at Sharafat, Jerusalem (Photo: Shai Halevi, Israel Antiquities Authority)