Found in the Zohar Valley near Israel’s border with Jordan, this massive pyramid is made of hand-hewn stones, many weighing several hundred pounds.

Archaeologists Make A Stunning Find In The Judean Desert

Archaeologists searching the Judean Desert in hopes of finding additional Dead Sea Scrolls recently made an unexpected discovery of an ancient pyramid structure.

Located 72 miles south of Jerusalem, the pyramid stands roughly 20 feet tall and is comprised of large, heavy stones that were hand-hewn roughly 2,200 years ago. Artifacts found at the site, such as coins, weapons, and furniture, date the structure back to the Hellenistic period (323 B.C.E. to 30 B.C.E.), when Greek culture rapidly spread across the Mediterranean world.

Although the ample artifacts found at the scene have helped narrow down the structure’s age, they have left puzzling questions about the purpose of the site. While archaeologists debate the possible purposes of the structure — ranging from guard tower to monumental burial site — the public has been called to aid the excavation crew in their quest to unravel the mysteries of this ancient desert pyramid.

Archaeologists Uncover A Mysterious Pyramid Dating Back 2,200 Years

In 2017, Israel’s Ministry of Heritage and the Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA) began a large-scale project to survey and excavate large areas of the Judean Desert. Located in the West Bank and Israel, the desert stretches as far south as the Dead Sea and covers an area of 1,560 square miles.

During the almost decade-long excavation project, archaeologists have surveyed more than 100 miles of desert and 900 caves, uncovering artifacts like papyri, tools, weapons, leather goods, and coins.

Recently, a team of archaeologists led by Matan Toledano, Dr. Eitan Klein, and Amir Ganor was examining an area in Nahal Zohar when they discovered something completely unexpected. Originally hoping to find additional Dead Sea Scrolls, the crew stumbled upon a 2,200-year-old pyramid structure from the Hellenistic period, an era when Greek culture rapidly spread across the Mediterranean.

The pyramid, standing nearly 20 feet tall, is comprised of large hand-hewn stones, many of which weigh hundreds of pounds. Surrounding the structure, the research team discovered a wealth of artifacts, including furniture, vessels, and coins.

• In the first week of excavation, volunteers found written historical documents, exceptional bronze vessels, and remains of ancient furniture, all remarkably preserved by the desert climate.
• The pyramid’s construction raises questions about whether it was a burial site or a strategic fortification.
• Coins discovered at the site date back to rulers of the Hellenistic period, offering crucial clues to its historical significance.

Ancient Relics Provide Clues To The Past

Among the many artifacts found within the pyramid, archaeologists uncovered rare items that shed light on daily life in the Hellenistic period. A remarkably well-preserved sewing needle, for instance, hints at the craftsmanship and daily routines of the people who may have lived or worked near the site.

“In the first excavation week, the volunteers found written historical documents, exceptional bronze vessels, and remains of ancient furniture, which thanks to the desert climate were preserved in amazing condition,” the crew explained in their statement. “Every moment new findings are discovered, and we are filled with anticipation for what else the next three weeks might reveal.”

The coming weeks of excavation are expected to bring even more discoveries, as experts continue to unearth and analyze artifacts from the pyramid’s chambers. For now, the purpose of this ancient structure remains one of the Judean Desert’s greatest unsolved mysteries.