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Bricks of Roman Era Unearthed at Excavations for Zionist Congress Building

July 13, 1949
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Excavation for the foundations of the $1,800,000 Zionist Congress building in the northern part of Jerusalem was interrupted today when workman uncovered bricks of the Roman era hearing the coat of arms of the Roman Tenth Legion which captured Jerusalem. Work will be suspended for a month while archaeological teams dig on the site of the find.

The find was said today to show that the Tenth Legion, which was stationed on Mt. Scopus preceding the capture of the city and the destruction of the Temple in 70 C.E., also occupied the northern approaches. The attack on the city was carried out from Mt. Scopus. The bricks were said to show that the Legionnaires who besieged the city had buildings of brick as well as tents. The Zionist Congress building was authorized at the last meeting of the Zionist Actions Committee and will house future Zionist Congresses.

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