ISRAEL: ARCHAEOLOGISTS DISCOVER TOMB IN JUDEAN FOOTHILLS скачать в хорошем качестве

ISRAEL: ARCHAEOLOGISTS DISCOVER TOMB IN JUDEAN FOOTHILLS

(29 Nov 1995) English/Nat A newly discovered archaeological site in the Judean hills near Jerusalem has revealed much about ancient life in the region. The site was part of a newly discovered network of underground tunnels, some with secret chambers and at least one trap door, that were found in the Judean foothills. The caves were found on an isolated hilltop some 28 kilometres- 17 miles - southwest of Jerusalem. This was the area where the charismatic leader Bar Kochba rallied the Jews to rebel against the Romans between A.D. 132 to 135. The Romans ruthlessly crushed the revolt and sent the Jews into exile. Fleeing the Romans, the rebel families carved underground rooms and linked them with a maze of sewage-pipe size tunnels. Triangle shaped niches carved in the walls, some with soot still visible above them, held oil lamps. SOUNDBITE: You can see the tunnels which were used for the burial and the primary burial, the secondary burial was made in those small niches carved in the walls. SUPER CAPTION: Amir Ganor, archaeologist While other underground tunnels have been found in the past, this one had one feature never seen before. Ganor pointed out a small slot carved into the soft limestone tunnel where a round stone could be rolled to trap any Roman legionnaire who made the mistake of entering the tunnels to try and flush them out. The rebels carved out pits in the cave floors to stockpile food and water for a prolonged siege. Archaeologists believe that the rebels could even get in the pits themselves should the Romans succeed in entering. SOUNDBITE: The book of Diacasius, A Roman historian tells us that the Jews preparing their settlements for a revolt against the Romans, carved underground systems in 985 settlements in Judea alone. SUPER CAPTION: Amir Ganor, archaeologist The tunnels were discovered a month ago but were only made public on Tuesday. While grave robbers had plundered the tunnels, archaeologists were treated to a rare discovery of a luxurious tomb that had remained unopened and full of antiquities for 2,000 years. The unit had been hot on the trail of grave robbers a month ago when they came upon them digging above the tomb entrance. Leading up to the opening of the burial chamber was an arched waiting room and 12 steep steps that archaeologist believe were used as bleachers for a funeral. The tomb was carved in the 1st century B.C. and used continuously for about 450 years. Since it was in the middle of a hill speckled with tombs, all of which have been plundered, archaeologists believe it was made for a very wealthy family. According to the archaeologists, there are thousands of burial caves and antiquity sites in the Judean hills, but it is rare to uncover one that had not been plundered. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...