Archaeologists find 'incredible' stone at Biblical site with 'huge significance'

Irish Daily Mirror

2 days ago

A stone carved nearly 1,700 years ago has been unearthed in a region rich with Biblical significance, believed to be where Jesus performed the miracle of walking on water.
The volcanic slab, inscribed with Ancient Greek letters, could potentially alter our perception of the Roman Empire's boundaries. The basalt stone, found in Upper Galilee at Abel Beth Maacah, is thought to have marked territory during the Roman era.
This remarkable discovery indicates the existence of two previously unknown towns - Tirathas and Golgol - that fell under Roman rule. The stone, which dates back 1,720 years, testifies to the time of Caesar Marcus Aurelius Alexander, a name that may resonate with fans of the iconic film Gladiator.
Beyond identifying these settlements, the stone also refers to four ruling figures responsible for managing Rome's extensive territories. Professor Uzi from Hebrew University said: "Finding a boundary stone like this not only sheds light on ancient land ownership and taxation but also provides a tangible connection to the lives of individuals who navigated these complex systems nearly two millennia ago.", reports the Mirror US.
The find further illustrates the vast expanse of Rome's influence, stretching from its core in Italy to the Middle East, exerting control over Israel from 63 BC until 135 AD.
The ancient inhabitants of a bygone era have left indelible marks on history, with researchers now saying that this stone provides a "unique glimpse into the lives of ancient inhabitants, the pressures they faced and the enduring traces of their communities in the archaeological record."
The discovery of the names Tirathas and Golgol has left scholars buzzing with excitement. Experts are drawing connections between Golgol and significant Biblical sites such as Gilgal and Golgotha, known for being an Israelite camp in the Book of Joshua and the site of Jesus' crucifixion, respectively.
The ruins of Kh. Turritha, noted in late 19th-century records on the Lebanese side of the border, might actually represent the lost city of Tirathas.
While some academics are eyeing a round hill near Abel Beth Maacah as a potential key to this historical puzzle, concrete archaeological evidence remains elusive.
This boundary stone is one of over 20 unearthed in the northern Hula Valley, harking back to the zenith of Roman power, when such markers delineated land ownership and underscored Rome's economic dominance.
Situated in Galilee, where Biblical narratives and Roman governance intersect, the artifact highlights the rich tapestry of ancient geography, economy, and culture.
Archaeologists have been left stunned by the discovery of an ancient amulet, believed to protect women and children from "evil spirits", in the Biblical region of Galilee.
The 1,500 year old relic, dubbed "Solomon's Seal", was unearthed in northern Israel by a local from the village of Arbel some forty years ago.
In a separate remarkable discovery, a religious shrine believed to be sealed by the ancestors of Jesus has been found in the historic core of Jerusalem, untouched for almost 3,000 years. Nestled into the rock on the eastern slope of the City of David, close to Temple Mount, this exceptionally well-preserved site features eight rooms with an altar and a holy standing stone.
Scholars are buzzing with the possibility that this site may have been referenced in the Bible, as the partially destroyed location strikingly corresponds with the narrative of Hezekiah – one of Jesus's paternal grandfathers – who is famed for his destruction of idols, in accordance with one of the Ten Commandments.