Israel: Complex of 2,000 Year-Old Jewish Revolt Bolt Holes Discovered in Galilee

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Archaeologists excavating near the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel have discovered an ancient complex of underground bolt holes that are believed to have been used as hiding places for Jews during the three Jewish Revolts against the Roman Empire some 2,000 years ago, the Times of Israel reports.

While researchers believe the bolt holes were “clearly in use” during the First Jewish Revolt (66-70 AD), it is also possible they were used in preparing for the famous Bar Kochba Revolt (132-136 AD).

Conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), the excavation at Huqoq village in the Galilee has uncovered what the IAA described in a statement as “the most extensive hiding complex discovered to date in the Galilee,” TOI reports.

“About eight hiding cavities” with “connecting tunnels… dug at 90 degrees, to hamper the heavily armed Roman soldiers chasing the rebels,” the IAA said.

In emphasizing that the ancient bolt holes and connecting tunnels are nothing like the tunnels in Gaza that Hamas built for warfare against Israel, excavation director Prof. Yinon Shivtiel of the Zefat Academic College told TOI: “There is a big difference between Hamas tunnels and these hiding complexes — it’s impossible to compare. They weren’t used for combat… If you go into them, they are just like underground ‘mamadim’ [Hebrew for bomb shelters/safe rooms].”

“We know from [the Roman-era historian] Josephus that the First Jewish Revolt was in the area,” Shivtiel continued. “We can’t say that the Bar Kochba revolt was here physically, but the hiding complex was for sure involved in the preparations,” he added.

The site will be open to the public on March 29 and April 5, TOI said.

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