Our third day brought an amazing opportunity. On the south-west outskirts of the settlement, was a round structure. Apparently, circular structures are either little-known, or nonexistent in Ancient Israel. Here was an opportunity to excavate an anomaly.
The circular structure was approximately 13' (+/-) in diameter, with rectangular stones framing it. There is a sill with a channel carved into the center, the likes that have been seen in funeral tombs.
The circular structure
The sill
Dallin digging out the circular structure
Another friend
Dirty Work
Slightly less dirty...hmmm.
AN ANCIENT QUARRY
One of the areas of import, was a deep quarry. The photos of the quarry can't do it justice. At approximately 60' under the ground, it is an ominous room. The work ethic of those who created and drew from this quarry is beyond impressive.
The circular structure continued to be a mystery. What first appeared to be cover stones to cover bodies, later appeared to be the ceiling, which had come down (spoiler alert: it did). Bucket after bucket-full of dirt kept coming out, and we were nowhere near the bottom. Oren Gutfeld, the site's Archaeologist, examining the site. EXPLORING TIME One of the greatest parts of the site, is that there are things EVERYWHERE to explore! Take for instance this inconspicuous small fig tree. It doesn't look like much, until you realize this is only the tip of a TALL tree growing out of a hidden columbarium. Columbarium, or dove cotes are niches carved into the soft rock, allowing a pair of doves per hole. The odd thing about this columbarium, was that the dove-cotes were square, as opposed to the usual triangular niches. This appeared to be a triangular niche for lights(?) "JUST" ANOTHER COLUMBARIUM "JUST" ANOTHER BURIAL CHAMBER Turtle shell. I don'...
On day four of the dig, one lucky team member discovered a unique find. Upon closer examination, it appeared as if it were an incense burner from the Idumean period. Archaeologist Michal Haber is pictured with President of the Beit Lehi Foundation, Alan Rudd. Alan inspects the incense burner. Lamp Perfume bottle Tear catcher, or perfume bottle.
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