Jewish archaeologists investigating the area between Masada and Ain-Gedi, have unearthed clothing and the remains of utensils and weapons in what is believed to have been one of the caves used by the Jews in the Bar Kochba revolt against the Arabs more than 1,800 years ago.
Among the objects found were a woman’s shoe, a child’s shoe, glassware and earthenware, remains of ancient weapons and remnants of cloth woven as a prayer shawl. The earthenware and several other objects are known to be authentic remnants from the period of the Roman occupation of Palestine.
The archaeologists believe that the cave was one of a number linking Bar Kochba’s headquarters with the Jewish fighting forces. They believe that the Romans attempted to capture the cave by throwing burning torches into it and making it uninhabitable. They believe that Roman soldiers, lowered from atop the cave by ropes, tossed the firebrands into the mouth of the cavern.
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.
