As the city of Rosh Ha-'Ayin in central Israel expands, excavation in preparation for new construction revealed ancient buildings in the surrounding area. Structures with colorful mosaic floors and dozens of rooms hint at how people may have lived and worked in centuries gone by. [Read the full story on the farmstead discovery]
Byzantine church
Birds-eye view of the preserved remains of a church estimated to be 1,500 years old. Christianity spread rapidly across the region during the 5th century CE, evident in the number of ancient monasteries and churches that survive today. (Image credit: Griffin Aerial Photography)
A Greek inscription
In the remains of the church, excavators found several mosaics. One bore a Greek inscription welcoming visitors in the name of "Theodosius the priest." (Image credit: Assaf Peretz, courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority)
The farmstead
An aerial view of the 27,000-year-old farmhouse, which included 24 rooms surrounding a courtyard and a silo. (Image credit: Griffin Aerial Photography)
Pieces of silver
A silver coin stamped with the image of Athena, found in the farmhouse remains. (Image credit: Israel Antiquities Authority)
Sacred bird
A silver coin stamped with the image of an Athenian owl, found in the farmhouse remains. (Image credit: Israel Antiquities Authority)
Excavators at work
Students of the Gal Academy for Leadership. Dozens of teenagers from schools and youth programs contributed to the archaeological excavation, part of the Israel Antiquities Authority's initiative to increase public awareness of Israel's cultural heritage. (Image credit: Israel Antiquities Authority)
Ancient tile patterns
Colorful mosaics in the church floors include geometric designs. (Image credit: Assaf Peretz, courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority)
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