Israeli archaeologists unearth possible long-lost Maccabees tomb
Israeli archaeologists just may have unearthed the long-lost tomb of the Maccabees, the famed and celebrated Jewish clan that led the uprising against the Greeks in the second century B.C.
According to Fox News, the archaeologists believe they may have found the lost tomb but still need further evidence to prove that the discovered site is indeed the Maccabees' burial grounds.
Some ancient documents, such as "The Book of the Maccabees" and the "Antiquities of the Jews," detail the tombs as a tall, impressively structured site with columns all around, and pyramid-looking roofs that could be seen when at sea.
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Amit Re'em, the excavation's leader for the Israel Antiquities Authority said the recently unearthed site resembles the structure described in the ancient texts. "It was circled with pillars," he said. The tall building discovered also had a roof that seemed to display pyramid-style structures. "People could see it from the sea, from Jaffa," he added.
Charles Clermont-Ganneau excavated the tomb in the late 19th century and his project revealed mosaics with a cross on the burial vaults' floors, leading the French archaeologist to conclude that the site is that of a Christian's. The tomb has since been left by archaeologists until Re'em's team attempted to reveal what the tomb holds.
"It's a wonderful site, it's a beautiful site," Re'em said. "We re-exposed the tomb chamber and the mosaic with the decoration of the cross."
He also noted that the Maccabees, in their early days, set aside a place of honor for their Christianity, which could explain the cross decoration, further explaining that early Christians may have re-dedicated the burial place. On the other hand, Re'em admitted that there was still need for sufficient archaeological evidence to identify and conclude that the site is indeed the Maccabees' final resting place.
Additional resources and further research are needed to obtain as much evidence and information as possible from the site, the Israel Antiquities Authority said, which is the excavation's financer.
