Israel Antiquities Authority archaeologist Dr. Doron Ben Ami introduces the remains of a building from the Hasmonean period in archaeological excavations in the City of David, Jerusalem, on Dec. 3, 2013. In recent months, remains of an impressive building from the Hasmonean period (second century BC) were unearthed in excavations the Israel Antiquities Authority was directing in the Giv'ati parking lot, located in the City of David in the Walls Around Jerusalem National Park. The building stands four meters high and covers an area of 64 square meters. Apart from several remains of the city's fortifications that were discovered in different parts of Jerusalem, as well as pottery and other small finds, none of the Hasmonean city's buildings have been uncovered so far, and this discovery bridges a certain gap in Jerusalem's settlement sequence. (Xinhua/Li Rui) |