The project is part of an effort to recreate a renowned ancient wine that was once exported throughout Europe.

After nearly a century of archaeological silence, the ancient stones of Sebastia are speaking again as Israeli excavators uncover remarkable finds.

While walking at Tel Azeka, near Beit Shemesh, 3.5-year-old Ziv Nitzan picked up a stone that turned out to be an ancient amulet.

The site, near the Temple Mount, is the only known ritual structure from the period found in Jerusalem.

New research offers an explanation for why the practice prevalent in prehistoric Western Europe didn’t occur in the Eastern Mediterranean.

“After the Temple’s destruction, the menorah image became an important icon in the Jewish collective memory both within Israel and in the Diaspora.”

“I was looking down at the ground to find porcupine needles and smooth pebbles,” said Dafna Filshteiner.

“If you feel like rolling up your sleeves and being an active participant, you might consider joining a ‘dig for a day.’”

The eighth-century Afghan Liturgical Quire “pushes the history of the Jewish book back approximately 200 years,” said scholar Gary Rendsburg.