Determining dates and times in the ancient era was one of the most significant things in the life of the community, the primary dates to the ancient world were the solstice days when the day begins to shorten or lengthen, and the equinox days when the length of the day is equal to the length of the night. The winter solstice on December 21 symbolized in many cultures a day of light and hope, the end of darkness and the beginning of light. In desert areas, this is also the beginning of the grazing season after the first winter rains, which grew a green plume on the slopes and valleys.

In Israel's Negev desert, researchers have discovered ancient stones and carvings that served this purpose.

22 December 2022

Read more: Israel's Stonehenge? Ancient Priests Used Stones To Tell Time

A courtyard of a grave estate from the time of the Second Temple, one of the most magnificent discovered in Israel, is being uncovered these days in the Salome Cave in the Lachish Forest. This excavation is part of the “Road of the Kings of Judah” project led by the Antiquities Authority, the Ministry of Jerusalem and Heritage, and the Jewish National Fund.

20 December 2022

Read more: Christmas Miracle: Burial Cave Of Woman Who Helped Birth Jesus Discovered

A new archaeological find in the Judean desert is being hailed as the very first concrete evidence of Hannukah’s story. As part of the excavation and survey project of the Judean Desert caves, managed by the Israeli Antiquities Authority and the Archeology Department of the Civil Administration in cooperation with the Ministry of Jerusalem and Heritage; a very successful dig was conducted in the caves of the Quartet between March and May of this year. 

13 December 2022

Read more: Just In Time: Stunning Archaeological Find Proves The Story Of Hanukkah

A rare lead projectile from the Hellenistic period in Israel, with an inscription in Greek that was intended to ensure victory in battle, was discovered during excavations by the Antiquities Authority in Yavneh. The approximately 2,200-year-old projectile, which bears the inscription "Victory of Hercules and Uranus", was intended to be fired from a catapult device, and is slightly bigger than an inch in diameter.

09 December 2022

Read more: Greek Era Lead Projectile Inscribed With Prayer To Hercules Found In Yavneh

An ancient coin of Antiochus IV, dating from 164-169 BC, was discovered in the home of a resident of the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona after he was caught stealing artifacts from an archeological site.

04 December 2022

Read more: Ancient Chanukah Era Coin Found In Home Of Antiquities Thief