Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Jordan Starts Excavations Near Wailing Wall; Seeks Hidden Treasure

April 15, 1960
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

A search for hidden treasure reportedly buried in the Second Temple was underway today near the Wailing Wall in Jordan-held old Jerusalem,

Jordanian newspapers reported that excavations were under the direction of Prof. John Allegro of Manchester University. Together with the Jordanian Antiquities Department, Prof. Allegro, an authority on the Dead Sea Scrolls, is searching for the treasure claimed to have been hidden in the Second Temple before the Romans destroyed it more than 2,000 years ago.

The “report” of the hidden treasure was contained in a copper scroll found among the Dead Sea Scrolls. Armed guards of the Arab Legion are guarding the diggers because Moslem zealots consider digging in the area, which contains a Moslem holy place, an act of grave sacrilege.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement