TEL AVIV, Israel, Dec. 30 (UPI) — An excavation conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority unearthed a 2,700-year-old farmhouse and 1,500-year-old church, officials announced Wednesday.
The two ancient structures were discovered near Rosh Ha-‘Ayin in advance of the construction of new neighborhoods in the area. Dozens of local students participated in the dig.
The structures were partially intact and contained several artifacts.
“The large farmhouse was preserved to a height of more than two meters. the building is 2,700 years old and included 24 rooms constructed around a central courtyard,” excavation director Amit Shadman said in a press release. “A large storage compartment meant to protect grain was exposed in the courtyard. In addition, we found some simple rock-hewn oil presses used in the production of olive oil.”
Two silver coins bearing the likeness of the goddess Athena and her owl were also found in the farmhouse believed to be one of many in the region abandoned during the Hellenistic period.
The archaeologists also discovered a monastery, which housed a church containing colorful mosaics. One mosaic contained an inscription reading, “This place was built under Theodosius the priest. Peace be with you when you come, peace be with you when you go, Amen.”
The presence of the name Theodosius likely dates the monastery back to the Byzantine period.
The IAA plans to preserve the ruins for public viewing in the future.
