What's happened
Recent excavations in Egypt and Jerusalem reveal significant archaeological finds, including sections of Hasmonean walls, a temple dedicated to Ra, and artifacts suggesting Jewish activity during Byzantine rule. These discoveries deepen understanding of Jerusalem's ancient history and religious significance, with ongoing excavations promising further insights. Today's date is Wed, 24 Dec 2025.
What's behind the headline?
The recent discoveries highlight a concerted effort to piece together Jerusalem's complex history. The dismantling of the Hasmonean walls, possibly by Herod or as part of a ceasefire with Antiochus, suggests political motives behind the destruction, reflecting shifts in power and sovereignty. The uncovering of a large temple for Ra in Abu Ghurab emphasizes Egypt's focus on sun worship and royal religious practices, while the boat of King Khufu underscores Egypt's ongoing efforts to preserve and showcase its ancient maritime technology. The Jewish artifacts near the Temple Mount, including a lead menorah pendant, challenge assumptions about Jewish presence during Byzantine times, hinting at a more continuous or returning community. These finds will likely influence both academic understanding and tourism, reinforcing Egypt and Israel's historical narratives. The deliberate destruction of walls and the reuse of ancient foundations reveal strategic and political messages, indicating that archaeology is often intertwined with power dynamics and national identity. Future excavations are expected to further clarify these historical puzzles, potentially reshaping narratives of Jerusalem and Egypt's ancient past.
What the papers say
The articles from the NY Post and The Independent provide detailed accounts of the ongoing excavations, emphasizing the significance of the boat assembly and the discovery of the Ra temple. The NY Post highlights the assembly process and the museum's role in boosting tourism, quoting officials like Sherif Fathy. The Independent offers a broader archaeological context, discussing the destruction of Jerusalem's walls and the implications of findings like the menorah pendant. The contrasting focus on Egypt's maritime relics and Jerusalem's fortifications underscores the multifaceted nature of these excavations, with Egypt emphasizing cultural heritage and tourism, while Jerusalem's findings challenge existing historical narratives about Jewish presence and political history. Both sources underscore the importance of these discoveries for understanding ancient civilizations and their modern implications.
How we got here
Recent excavations in Egypt and Jerusalem have uncovered important archaeological remains. In Egypt, the assembly of a cedarwood boat belonging to King Khufu is underway at the Grand Egyptian Museum, alongside the discovery of a temple for sun god Ra. In Jerusalem, excavations have revealed sections of Hasmonean walls, a fortification destroyed in the second century BCE, and artifacts indicating Jewish activity during Byzantine rule. These findings are part of ongoing efforts to explore Jerusalem's ancient history and religious sites, building on decades of archaeological work.
Go deeper
Common question
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What Are the Latest Archaeological Discoveries in Jerusalem?
Recent excavations in Jerusalem and Abu Ghurab have uncovered remarkable archaeological finds that shed new light on the city's ancient history. From ancient walls to religious artifacts, these discoveries deepen our understanding of Jerusalem's complex past. Curious about what has been found and why it matters? Below are some of the most common questions about these exciting archaeological breakthroughs.
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What Are the Latest Discoveries at Ancient Religious Sites?
Recent archaeological excavations have uncovered remarkable findings at ancient religious sites, shedding light on the faiths and cultures of past civilizations. From Jerusalem to Abu Ghurab, new artifacts and structures are transforming our understanding of ancient religions. Curious about what has been discovered lately and what it means for history? Below are some of the most common questions about these ongoing excavations and their significance.
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What Are the Latest Archaeological Discoveries in Egypt and Jerusalem?
Recent excavations in Egypt and Jerusalem have uncovered remarkable artifacts and structures that deepen our understanding of ancient civilizations. From the reconstruction of Khufu's ancient boat to new findings in Jerusalem's walls, these discoveries shed light on history, religion, and politics. Curious about what these finds mean for our knowledge of the past? Below, we explore the most intriguing questions about these archaeological breakthroughs.
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What Are the Latest Archaeological Discoveries in Egypt and Jerusalem?
Recent excavations in Egypt and Jerusalem have uncovered remarkable artifacts and structures that shed new light on ancient civilizations. From Egyptian boats and temples to Jerusalem's ancient walls and artifacts indicating Jewish activity, these discoveries are transforming our understanding of history. Curious about what has been found and what it means? Keep reading to explore the latest archaeological breakthroughs and their significance.
More on these topics
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Jerusalem is a city in the Middle East, located on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea.
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Khufu was an ancient Egyptian monarch who was the second pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty, in the first half of the Old Kingdom period. Khufu succeeded his father Sneferu as king.
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The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM; Egyptian Arabic: المتحف المصري الكبير al-Matḥaf al-Miṣriyy al-Kabir) is an archaeological and national museum located about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from the Giza Pyramid Complex, in Giza, Egypt. Dedicate
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Herod I, also known as Herod the Great, was a Roman client king of Judea, referred to as the Herodian kingdom. He is known for his colossal building projects throughout Judea, including his renovation of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the expansion of
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Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world. Its metropolitan area, with a population of over 20 million, is the largest in Africa, the Arab world, and the Middle East, and the 6th-largest in the world.