Ancient Samaria Dig Offers Public Chance to Find Artifacts

The "Treasures of Samaria" center in Shavei Shomron will open to the public during the intermediate days of the Sukkot holiday, allowing families to sift through soil from ancient Samaria excavations and search for archaeological finds. The activity will take place on September 28-29 as part of a "Race to a Million" game in northern Samaria.

Excavations have already yielded artifacts from various periods, including coins, figurines, pottery, glass, and bones. A notable discovery is a fragment of a marble statue, believed by some to be of Aphrodite. Ancient Samaria served as the capital of the Kingdom of Israel during the period of the kings and later underwent changes during the Hellenistic period and the reign of King Herod. Excavations have uncovered the city's southern wall, its gate, and watchtowers, along with remnants of a Roman theater.

Uzi Grinberg, the excavation director, expressed excitement about the opportunity to dig in Samaria after 120 years, calling it an "enormous archaeological experience" and a "dream for the entire archaeological world." He noted that the findings align with descriptions in the Book of Kings, stating, "When you open the Book of Kings, the entire city gate is spread out before you."

Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, invited the public to participate, calling it a chance to "touch our roots" and "uncover the treasures of ancient Samaria with our own hands." The "Race to a Million" game will guide families from the sifting center to other sites in northern Samaria, including the railway station in Masuadiya, Khomesh, and the fortress in Sa-Nur. Additional events and tours for families are scheduled throughout the region during Sukkot.