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Earlier this week, Israeli authorities announced the discovery of an ancient Roman mansion dating back to the year 300 CE. It was found in the City of David, south of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Other artifacts that scientists uncovered were the sculpture head of a boxer and gem-laden earrings.
Dr. Doron Ben-Ami, the director of the excavation, told United Press International:
“Even though we do not have the complete dimensions of the structure, we can modestly estimate that its territory sprawls across about 1,000 square meters,” said Ben-Ami. “In the center there was a large garden which was enclosed by columns. Balconies revolved amid the rows of columns and rooms that bordered the garden. The rooms’ ceilings rose to the height of two stories and were covered by tile roofs.”
Despite the discovery, the Jerusalem Post also adds though, that “archeologists, Jewish new residents and veteran Palestinian residents vie for space on the crowded hillside.”
The paper notes:
Palestinians residents have protested the extent of excavations within the Silwan neighborhood, which is intertwined with the archeological park, claiming the digging has weakened the structural integrity of their houses and is being done for political, rather than archeological reasons.
