New discovery proves Greek presence in Jerusalem’s history

·

A new discovery in the City of David has provided tangible evidence of the Greek presence in Jerusalem’s history.

According to foxnews.com, 16 pieces of ceramic roof tiles were recently discovered during excavations by the Israel Antiquities Authority and Tel Aviv University and they date back to the time of Greek Seleucid King Antiochus IV Epiphanes.

The findings, published in the Journal of Hellenistic Pottery, align with the historical account of Antiochus IV spreading Greek culture, enforcing Hellenistic views, and desecrating the sacred temple, leading to the Maccabean revolt.

“These roof tiles, or at least modern roof tiles, were invented in the seventh century B.C., in the middle of Greece itself, and then spread around the world, but never to the Middle East,” Dr Filip Vukosavović told Fox News.

The inception of ceramic roofing tiles took place in Greece. In Israel, however, these tiles were not used until many centuries later.

Photo: Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority

Researchers utilised stratigraphy to identify the roof tiles from the relevant time period. Additionally, a petrography analysis was conducted, confirming the local origin of the clay from the Motza area west of Jerusalem, supplemented with locally sourced sand and straw.

The discovery provides material proof of a story often told. 

According to Dr Vukosavović, the first book of Maccabees describes the arrival of the Greeks, Antiochus IV and the struggle. There were also tradition talks much later about the defilement of the temple and the miracle of the oil and eight days. However, there was never real material proof for the presence of the Greeks themselves.  

Source: Fox news

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From crisis to compassion: Timos Roussos and his family’s mercy mission in war-torn Cyprus

When Turkish troops landed on Cyprus on 20 July 1974, six-year-old Timos Roussos was sitting on the floor of his family’s home in Lemesos.

A granddaughter returns: Georgia Georgiou retraces her yiayia’s occupied village in Cyprus

When Georgia Georgiou handed over her Cypriot ID at the border checkpoint to cross into occupied northern Cyprus, she felt an ache.

‘You never get over it’: A childhood shattered by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus

On a warm July morning in 1974, 10-year-old Anastasia Di Loreto (née Karatzia) was jolted awake by the sound of bombs falling on Kyrenia.

Cyprus: The paradox of tolerance and impunity for Turkey

The lack of a unified, systematic and practical strategy on the part of Greece has led the Cyprus crisis into national disarray.

Lost homes and lingering hope: Greek-Cypriots reflect on Turkish invasion and its aftermath

From hidden stories to haunting memories, two Greek-Cypriot men share what it means to carry the burden of Cyprus’ past.

You May Also Like

Politicians, Orthodox faithful welcome Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Sydney

Thousands of Orthodox faithful enjoyed an Official Welcome Doxology for His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

British family abused by Greek police after being mistaken as refugees

British woman Tifa Givian, who left Iran 30 years ago and now lives in Greece, was told to "stand with the rest of her people,” after walking through the Lesvos port with her family last weekend.

The Greek Herald publisher Dimitra Skalkos meets with Greek Interior Minister

The Publisher of The Greek Herald, Dimitra Skalkos met with the Greek Minister of the Interior, Theodoros Livanios, on Monday, July 29.