New first century temple discovery near Jerusalem

Archaeologists recently unveiled their find of column heads from a First Temple-era palace near Jerusalem.

On September 3 they unveiled their find to the public and media. Their find includes three limestone "capitals" as well as items from lavish window frames.

The Director of the excavation, Ya'akov Billig, says, "A few months ago I directed an archaeological excavation on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority."

"2,700 years ago, during Biblical Jerusalem, the times of Judean kings, a royal estate was located here. This is the time between the Assyrian assault on Jerusalem and the time of the Babylonian conquest."

As the team uncovered these column heads, Billig says, "It was the most beautiful decoration, I believe, ever found of the capitals that were created in that manner from the first temple period."

The Director says he believes these column heads could have been found in the patio area or supporting a porch.

This same design of the column head is found on today's currency in Jerusalem.

Billig says, "It's not by chance that on the five shekel coin we have the impression of the capital, just as found in these excavations."

The owner of the villa is unknown at this time, as nothing remains of it except for what was recently found. Just outside of the Holy City, it would have had views overlooking Jerusalem.

From a Facebook post by Israel Antiquities Authority, they say, "The monumental structure possesses a breathtaking view of the City of David and the Temple. The assumption is this royal structure belonged to one of the Kings of Judah, or a Jerusalemite family of nobility and wealth during the First Temple period, between the days of King Hezekiah and King Josiah."