Biblical-Era Etchings in Israel

Discoveries from ancient saints and new findings from the Holy Land and relics of Jesus himself revealed new insights into the people who lived and died during biblical times. Many scholars and archaeologists made several discoveries that are shining new light on these enigmatic biblical figures.

13 ships have been found decorating the walls of a cistern in Israel after survival of 2000 years as faint etchings. No one knows who carved the etchings on the cistern wall or for what reason. The cistern was discovered in the city of Be'er Sheva situated in the desert of southern Israel, where archaeologists were excavating in advance of the construction of a new neighbourhood. Earlier it was believed that it is a hole or just a depression in the ground but it turned out to be a cistern. This cistern is a large reservoir used to store water. The cistern is estimated to be 40 feet (12 meters) deep and about 16 feet by 18 feet (5 by 5.5 m) across. Stairs lead down to the bottom of the cistern. Faint lines have been observed along the walls which once were recognised as etched-in drawings by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). The researchers discovered etchings of 13 ships, one sailor and several animal-type figures called zoomorphs. IAA rock-art specialist Davida Eisenberg-Degen found the ships to be quite detailed and realistically proportioned that show details consistent with the ship-building of the day. Based on the hewing and plastering of the cistern stairs and the style of the entire reservoir, the archaeologist concluded that the cistern was built in the first or second century, making the reservoir nearly 2,000 years old. This would have been during the period of Roman rule in Israel. The remains of a Roman settlement lie about 2,600 feet (800 m) away from the site of the newly discovered cistern as said by Eisenberg-Degen reported by the Israel Antiquities Authority. The IAA agency also announced that the cistern will be preserved as part of a green space in the new neighbourhood development. However it is not certain and clear when the cistern fell out of use, but it was likely not to be too long as stated by the IAA. According to the authority, among the rubble and the dirt found filling the cistern were ceramic fragments, ammo shells and pieces of weaponry dating to World War I.

By- Anuja Arora

Content: https://www.livescience.com/64078-biblical-era-ship-etchings-israel.html