Israeli archaeologists discover ruins of majestic palace on top of a mountain

A team of Israeli archaeologists has unveiled the remnants of a previously unknown royal palace at the Alexandrium fortress, a dramatic mountaintop site rising 650 meters above the Jordan Valley. This discovery provides fresh insight into the scale and design of the ancient complex.

Dr. Dvir Raviv, director of the excavation from Bar-Ilan University, emphasized the significance of the find: These remains illuminate the architectural style and purpose of the site, details not recorded by Josephus, our sole historical source from this era. Each discovery contributes critically to our understanding.

The excavation, resumed on the eastern side of the fortress, uncovered the palace on the northwestern slope, suggesting that the stronghold was part of a larger royal complex than previously believed. Among the artifacts found are two monumental column drums, each 40 centimeters in diameter and 60 centimeters tall, reflecting the Herodian architectural style familiar from sites like Masada.

Alexandrium was originally built by the Hasmonean king Alexander Yannai and later renovated by Herod the Great. Josephus described it as a fortress built in great splendor on a high mountain. Historically, the fortress played diverse roles, including serving as a place of imprisonment, royal residence, and burial site. It was destroyed by the Romans in 57 BCE, after Pompeys conquest of Judea, and may have been used again during the Jewish revolt of 6673 CE.

The last formal excavations at Alexandrium were conducted in the 1980s, but no comprehensive report was published. Dr. Ravivs team began anew, relying on prior findings such as ostracainscribed pottery fragments with Judaean names and notesand a preserved white mosaic floor on the eastern slope.

With support from the Ministry of Heritage, systematic excavations resumed in March, aiming to clarify the fortresss architectural development and historical functions. The newly discovered palace offers critical evidence of the scale and grandeur of the hilltop complex, complementing Josephuss brief descriptions.

Archaeologists have already begun reconstructing parts of the palace layout, enhancing understanding of how the Hasmoneans and Herod utilized the site. The project is led by Bar-Ilan University in cooperation with the Staff Officer of Archaeology in the Civil Administration for Judea and Samaria, as the fortress is located in Area C under Israeli jurisdiction.

Dr. Raviv noted that this seasons findings likely represent only a portion of what remains to be discovered: We anticipate uncovering even more significant structures and artifacts.

Author: Ethan Caldwell