Ancient papyri, believed to date to the Maccabean area, have been found in caves near the Dead Sea, scene of important discoveries four years ago, Prof. E.L. Sukenik, noted archaeologist, reported today.
Prof. Sukenik said he had received confirmation of the discoveries from Jean Neville, the French Consul General in Jerusalem, who is himself a noted archaeologist. The papyri are said to include private contracts written in both Hebrew and Greek characters.
The findings, Prof. Sukenik said, confirmed his belief that many more ancient documents were concealed in the caves around the Dead Sea where the first “Genuzot” were found. Ancient coins found there, he said, indicated that this area of the country had been well populated in ancient days.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
