Israel Antiquities Authority

Rare half-shekel coin used in biblical census count discovered by archaeologists in Judean Desert

The survey is an ongoing project by the IAA meant to protect archaeological sites in the Judean Desert from looting and unauthorized excavations.

Rare half-shekel coin discovered in Judean Desert by the Israel Antiquities Authority, February 26, 2026.
Ancient Crusader sword, dated to the 12th century CE, discovered off of Israel's Dor Beach in northern Israel, February 22, 2026.

University of Haifa student discovers 12th century Crusader sword off of Israel’s northern coast

Newly discovered limestone shards and vessels on display in the new "Criminal Past" exhibit at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel, February 16, 2026.

Second Temple workshop found on Israel's Mount Scopus during investigation into antiquities thieves

An 8th century stone seal believed to have belong to a high-ranking official of the biblical Kingdom of Judah. The inscription reads: “Belonging to Makhach (son of) Amihai." Picture released on February 12, 2026.

Stone seal from biblical Kingdom of Judea discovered during construction in northern Israel


Hackers breach Israel Antiquities Authority's social media

In their post, the hackers stated, "Soon, all Israeli commanders will face the consequences of their war crimes," along with a photo of a missile and Khamenei.

 Iranian cyber activists hacked the X/Twitter account of the Israel Antiquities Authority early on Sunday morning

Archaeologists reveal mythological scene on ancient sarcophagus found in Caesarea

The sarcophagus was discovered outside the known walls of Caesarea, indicating that the ancient city was far more extensive than previously thought.

 The side of the marble sarcophagus, depicting the scene of Hercules, sprawled on a lion's skin and holding a cup in his hand.

Rare menorah capital found near Jerusalem to be unveiled on Independence Day

This stone capital is considered one-of-a-kind and has not been found anywhere else in the world, according to the IAA.

A rare capital, the only one of its kind in the world.

Police find ancient treasures, weapons in Dimona antiquities probe

A Dimona resident was detained for questioning after the search uncovered not only the archaeological treasures but also a cache of weapons, ammunition, and currency. 

Ancient coins found in the home of a Dimona resident.

Digging too deep? Political dispute delays archaeological congress in Israel

Greenberg was expected to lecture on the “archaeologization” of Israel in a session on archaeology and politics, before his participation raised concerns from right-wing activists.

 Amichai Eliyahu at the Knesset. January 21, 2025.

TAU archaeology prof. faces calls to be dropped from nat'l conf. for West Bank dig stance - report

After publicly boycotting an archaeological conference in Judea and Samaria, a TAU professor finds himself at the center of an argument on his role as a lecturer at a national archaeology conference.

The first building ever discovered in Yavne from the Sanhedrin era. It contained fragments of ‘measuring cups’ identified with a Jewish population.

Tiny hands, ancient find: Israeli toddler uncovers 3,800-year-old scarab

The young girl from Moshav Ramot Meir uncovered an ancient scarab amulet during a family trip to Tel Azeka, near Beit Shemesh.

 The seal in the hand of 3.5-year-old Ziv.

The nun who lived in chains: First-ever evidence of extreme asceticism found near Jerusalem

Asceticism is the practice of denial of physical or psychological desires in order to attain a spiritual ideal or goal, often self-inflicted.

 A drone view shows conservation work at a winepress that was discovered, according to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), at the site of a large monastery from the Byzantine period, near Kiryat Gat, Israel, January 6, 2025.

Ancient arrowheads in the Negev reveal human trafficking caravans from 2,500 years ago

Located near Tlalim Junction, the excavation site has revealed dozens of tombs containing a rich variety of artifacts.

  Aerial view of the Israel Antiquities Authority excavation.

Benyamin Storchan: An archaeologist who really digs Israel

While fully employed at the IAA, he earned a master’s degree at Bar-Ilan University and is now a doctoral candidate at Ben-Gurion University. 

 Benyamin Storchan is seen uncovering an ancient olive press in Pisgat Ze'ev, Jerusalem.