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Harvard Announces Excavation of Remains of Samaritan Ancient Temple

October 29, 1964
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Harvard University officials have announced the finding of the remains of a temple in Jordan which may be the ancient sanctuary of the Samaritans, a dissident Jewish sect which has survived into modern times.

The remains were found under previously discovered ruins of a Roman Temple on Mount Gerizim. The Samaritans contended that Mount Gerizim was the divine choice for ancient Israel’s central shrine and built their shrine there. Ever since, they have observed the Passover rites on Mount Gerizim. Participating in the excavations are the Harvard University Divinity School, Drew University, and the McCromick Theological Seminary.

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