Second Temple

Rare half-shekel coin used in biblical census count discovered by archaeologists in Judean Desert

The survey is an ongoing project by the IAA meant to protect archaeological sites in the Judean Desert from looting and unauthorized excavations.

Rare half-shekel coin discovered in Judean Desert by the Israel Antiquities Authority, February 26, 2026.
Newly discovered limestone shards and vessels on display in the new "Criminal Past" exhibit at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel, February 16, 2026.

Second Temple workshop found on Israel's Mount Scopus during investigation into antiquities thieves

Opening of the Pilgrim's Road in Jerusalem, on September 16, 2025.

Ancient Pilgrimage Road leading to Temple Mount opens to public after 13 years of excavations

THE RITUAL purification bath (mikveh) from the Second Temple period.

Israel uncovers Second Temple-period mikveh beneath Western Wall


Jewish men (and women) think about the Roman Empire all the time. We can’t avoid it

The most obvious reason why a good Jew thinks often about the Roman Empire is, of course, historical trauma.

 The Destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem by Francesco Hayez

Israel uncovers Second Temple-era stone workshop in West Bank

During the Second Temple period, it was customary to use tools made of stone and indeed stone tools are being discovered at almost every site in the region.

Second temple site for the production of stone tools, September 2023