There has been another major archaeological find in the Bet Shemesh area....

Anybody who drives with any form of regularity on Highway 38 will surely have sat in traffic and wondered what is behind the blue tarp along the highway just outside of Eshtaol. The signs of it being an archaeological site don't shed any light on why the tarp has been up there for so long and what might be hiding in the digs behind it.

The site is an archaeological dig in preparation of road works that will be a part of the coming upgrade of Highway 38 that we so eagerly, and desperately, await..

According to archaeologists, they have made an amazing discovery of ruins and remnants of a town that they say is 10,000 years old, and of another that they say is 6000 years old.

For the first time ever, the archaeologists say, in this area they have discovered such an old building, and in such good condition. They even say that this is one of the earliest buildings to be built, indicating it was the beginning of the time period in which man moved from living outdoors and in tents to living in permanent structures.

In addition to the house they also found various tools in great condition.

Nearby they also discovered remnants of a village 6000 years old, including a Temple and an altar.

The archaeologists are opening the site up to the public, but only for a limited time and only for those who pre-register. The site will be open for public viewing for two hours on Wednesday (Nov. 27) between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Entrance is free, but visitors must register in advance by telephone at 02-9921136, 052-4284408 or by email at adulam@israntique.org.il

(source: NRG and Times of Israel)

I hope that these amazing finds don't cause significant delays in the highway renovations.