The ancient Jewish city of Merot, which flourished in the first century C.E., has been uncovered near Safad, it was announced here by archaeological officials who began excavations in 1970. Merot had been mentioned by the Jewish historian Josephus in his “Jewish Wars.” The dig, sponsored by the Albright Institute in Jerusalem in cooperation with several American universities, uncovered the foundations of a bastion and synagogue and found Roman and Hasmonaen corns, farming tools and pottery, it was announced by William Dever, director of the institute. Prof. Eric Meyers led the excavations. Dover said that the archaeologists were reconstructing the synagogue to study life in Merot.
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