Archaeologists in Israel have uncovered a sprawling 1,300-year-old industrial and commercial complex that once stood near a major route connecting some of the region's most historic cities.The complex was discovered in Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv, according to an announcement earlier in August from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).The excavation was conducted ahead of construction of a new bus terminal.The site was located near a main road connecting Jaffa, Ramla and Jerusalem.LOST CITY IN AREA TIED TO BIBLICAL EXODUS MAY HAVE FINALLY BEEN DISCOVERED IN EGYPTKnown as Joppa in biblical times, Jaffa appears prominently in both the Old and New Testaments, including in the accounts of Jonah and St.
Peter.The complex itself dates back to the seventh or eighth century A.D., during the Umayyad and Abbasid periods.Archaeologists in Israel uncovered a sprawling 1,300-year-old industrial and commercial complex during excavations in Ramat Gan.(Israel Antiquities Authority)In a joint statement, the excavation directors said that the findings "exceeded all expectations.""The excavation uncovered an organized, planned complex featuring straight, intersecting streets," Yoav Arbel and Lior Rauchberger said, according to the IAA."Lining these streets were a series of rooms that served as shops or warehouses, plastered industrial facilities, pottery kilns and more.""Together, these finds provide a vivid reflection of the period’s culture, trade and economy."They also noted that the complex appeared to have been carefully planned by engineers and constructed with the knowledge of regional authorities, who may have even initiated or funded the project."Possibly, it stood on a secondary road branching off from this central route," the directors added.
"The area also offered fertile agricultural land and available water sources."The ancient complex stood near a major road connecting Jaffa, Ramla and Jerusalem, with Jaffa — known as Joppa in biblical times — appearing in accoun...