The finds date from the First Temple period, experts say
Archaeologists in Israel have uncovered parts of elaborate columns from an ancient royal structure in Jerusalem.
The capitals, which form the topmost part of the columns, were discovered with other artifacts during an excavation at the Armon Hanatziv promenade in Jerusalem. The finds date from the First Temple period, which lasted from 960 B.C. and 586 B.C., according to the Israel Antiquities Authority.
“These stone artifacts are made of soft limestone, with decorative carvings, and among them are capitals of various sizes in the architectural style known as 'Proto-Aeolian' - one of the most significant royal building features of the First Temple period, and one of the visual symbols of the period,” said the Israel Antiquities Authority, in a statement. “The importance of this artistic motif as a symbol representing the Kingdoms of Judah and Israel led the Bank of Israel to choose it as the image that adorns the five shekel coin of the State of Israel.”
Yaakov Billig, director of the Israel Antiquities Authority’s excavation, thinks that the structure, which has been described as “magnificent,” was likely built between the times of the Biblical kings Hezekiah and Josiah. The site may have been part of rebuilding efforts by King Hezekiah following the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem in 701 B.C.
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