Ancient Hideout Tunnels Used by Jewish Rebels Against Romans Unveiled
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
An ancient hideout complex used by Jewish rebels against the Romans 2,000 years ago has been opened to the public in Israel's Adulam Park. The site, Khirbet Burgin, features extensive underground tunnels, a Byzantine church with mosaics, and evidence of continuous settlement from the Second Temple to the Ottoman periods. The site was previously damaged by antiquity looters but has undergone extensive preservation and development work by the Israel Antiquities Authority and JNF.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ancient hideout tunnels used by Jewish rebels against Romans 2,000 years ago opened in Adulam Park.
- Khirbet Burgin site includes extensive underground hideouts and a Byzantine church with mosaics.
- The site shows evidence of settlement from the Second Temple to the Ottoman periods.
- Antiquity looters severely damaged the site before preservation efforts began.
- Minister of Heritage Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu linked the tunnels to Jewish heroism and sovereignty.
A significant archaeological site featuring hideout tunnels used by Jewish rebels against the Romans approximately 2,000 years ago has been inaugurated in the Adulam Park in the Judean lowlands. The site, known as Khirbet Burgin, was opened to the public by the Jewish National Fund (JNF), the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), and the Mateh Yehuda Regional Council following extensive excavation, preservation, and development work.
The complex includes extensive underground hideout systems from the period of the Jewish revolts against Rome, alongside the remains of a Byzantine church adorned with colorful mosaics. Excavations have also uncovered burial systems, agricultural facilities, and evidence of long-term settlement spanning various historical periods, from the Second Temple era to the Ottoman period.
Researchers suggest the village at the site during the Second Temple period may be the biblical village of Bish mentioned by Josephus. During the early Roman period, residents carved out subterranean hideouts in preparation for their struggle against Roman rule. The settlement was damaged and destroyed during the Bar Kokhba revolt. Later, a pagan population settled the area, constructing new buildings and elaborate underground burial systems.
During the Byzantine era, a church and an adjacent monastery complex were established. The church floor was decorated with colorful mosaics, some of which have now been exposed and made accessible to the public. Additional findings, such as columbarium facilities for pigeon breeding and wine presses, indicate economic activity related to agriculture and wine production.
For years, the site suffered severe damage from antiquity looters who breached burial caves and hideout tunnels, also damaging surface structures. Dr. Amir Ganor, Director of the IAA's Antiquities Theft Prevention Unit, described the efforts to save the site, calling it the largest ancient settlement in the region by area and extent of remains. "The site was saved, and now, after preservation work, it can be enjoyed by the country's residents," he stated.
Ami Shahar, Deputy Director for Built Heritage Preservation at the IAA, emphasized that exposing the findings is just the first step, requiring ongoing preservation efforts to ensure these impressive remains are safeguarded for future generations and become an accessible cultural asset. Minister of Heritage Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu highlighted the connection between the ancient tunnels and Jewish history, stating they represent a tangible link between the past heroism of the Jewish people and their present sovereignty.