Judean Desert, Israel, March 25, 2025 — A massive, 2,200-year-old pyramid-shaped structure has emerged from the sands of the Judean Desert north of Nahal Zohar, captivating archaeologists and volunteers alike.
The site, unearthed by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) and the Ministry of Heritage with help from volunteers nationwide, dates back to the Hellenistic period under Ptolemaic and Seleucid rule.
The excavation has already yielded a treasure trove of artifacts: Greek papyrus documents, Ptolemaic and Antiochus IV bronze coins, weapons, wooden tools, and well-preserved fabrics, thanks to the desert’s arid climate. “This is one of the richest and most intriguing archaeological excavations ever found in the Judean Desert,” said excavation directors Matan Toledano, Dr. Eitan Klein, and Amir Ganor of the IAA.
The pyramid, constructed from hand-hewn stones weighing hundreds of kilograms, towers over a way station below it. Early finds include bronze vessels and ancient furniture remnants, discovered within the first week. “Every moment, new findings are uncovered,” the directors noted. “We’re excited about what the next three weeks might reveal!”
This discovery is part of an eight-year IAA-led effort to protect Judean Desert sites from looters, funded by the Ministry of Heritage and the Judea and Samaria Civil Administration Archaeology Department. A survey team scoured 180 kilometers of cliffs, identifying 900 caves and recovering thousands of rare items—scrolls, papyrus fragments, leather goods, and coin hoards—using abseiling gear and cutting-edge tech.
Previously thought to date to the First Temple period, the pyramid is now linked to the Hellenistic era. “This excavation changes the site’s historical record,” the team explained. Its purpose remains a mystery: Was it a guard tower protecting trade routes for Dead Sea salt and bitumen, a tomb marker, or a monument? “It’s an enthralling historical puzzle,” they said, inviting public volunteers to join the quest for answers.
For more information or to volunteer, please register through this link.
