The artifact was found along the Pilgrimage Road that connects the City of David to the Temple Mount and is a snapshot of the bustling commercial life in biblical Israel.
The cargo shipment of marble items had been known to the Israel Antiquities Authority for years, but because it was covered in sand, its exact location was unknown.
The site in question contained artifacts that are approximately 2,000 years old, dating back to the Roman-Byzantine era, according to the IAA.
Israeli and European archaeologists provide new insight into the mystery of ancient Gaza wine
The mosaic was first discovered in the 80s but has been uncovered over the last month by the Israel Antiquities Authority and Shoham residents.
About 270 ancient artifacts were found in the search, including gold, silver and bronze coins from different periods.
The Israel Antiquities Authority must curb its enthusiasm and double and triple check its archaeological findings before publication
The forged "artifact" was discovered earlier this week after a foreign researcher left it behind at the excavation site last summer.
Darius the Great is the father of King Ahasuerus, also known as the biblical Achashverosh from the story of Purim • Discovery was made by the international media adviser to President Isaac Herzog
According to a release from the Israel Antiquities Authority, the family noticed a small clay face in the ground, which appeared to be looking up at them.
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