Mysterious 2,200-year-old pyramid revealed in the middle of the Israeli desert

(NLDO) - An archaeological team from the Israel Antiquities Authority has discovered a strange structure, resembling an Egyptian pyramid, located in the middle of the Judean desert.

According to a press release from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), the mysterious pyramid-shaped structure is located in the middle of the northern desert of Nahal Zohar, a canyon in the desert near the Dead Sea.

The structure was discovered by accident when the agency conducted a major survey in the area.

Mysterious pyramid revealed in the middle of the Israeli desert - Photo: IAA

“This is one of the richest and most fascinating excavations ever carried out in the Judean Desert,” said the archaeologists leading the dig.

This pyramid is determined to be 2,200 years old, built during the period that the Israelis call the "Hellenistic period".

Although heavily damaged, what remains is enough to demonstrate the incredible scale of the structure.

Researchers collected many artifacts inside and outside the building - Photo: IAA

“The structure is enormous, built from hand-carved stones, each weighing hundreds of kilograms,” the authors described to Heritage Daily.

Inside the pyramid's ruins were many historical documents, bronze vessels and ancient furniture, many of which surprised the research team.

The area around the pyramid also revealed many valuable artifacts including papyrus written in Greek, ancient bronze coins, weapons, textiles and everyday tools.

Most of these artifacts are very well preserved thanks to the arid climate of the desert.

However, all the evidence is not enough to explain what this structure is and why it has the shape of a pyramid.

Leading theories suggest that it may have been a watchtower protecting trade routes when the Ptolemies and Seleucids ruled the area, or it may have been a massive tomb.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/kim-tu-thap-bi-an-2200-tuoi-lo-dien-giua-sa-mac-israel-19625032710442379.htm