Recent discoveries include gold ring with green gemstone carved with early Christian image of the 'Good Shepherd,' and carved image of 'David's Harp'

Archaeologists say discovery at Tel Tsaf in the Jordan Valley is first known instance of alcohol being imbibed inside a community in the ancient Middle East

Detectives searching a vehicle in Jerusalem find box with rare bronze antiquities believed seized by Jewish rebels 2,000 years ago as spoils of war

The carved piece of ammunition bears the name of Seleucid leader Diodotus Tryphon and an emblem of the Greek god Zeus; find announced on 1st night of Hannukah

Experts suggest coin may have been made by priests assisting Great Revolt against Romans, using precious metal from holy site's plentiful reserves

Weapons, coins, burnt wooden beams unearthed in Lachish Forest from structure said to be part of fortified line erected by Hellenistic army to protect city from Hasmonean offensive

Israeli, US researchers suggest powerful army quarried and transported 3 million stones in just weeks to build a ramp for battering rams to breach the hilltop stronghold in 701 BCE

On shore of the Sea of Galilee, site is found mysteriously buried and enclosed by wall; excavations to continue at the location

2,000-year-old amethyst stone discovered in excavations near Western Wall, is believed to be engraved with image of biblical persimmon used for fragrance and Second Temple incense

During work to expand a highway near Tzippori, dozens of metal artifacts are found, including horseshoe nails that the Christian invaders used before setting out to battle