Archaeology & History

Ancient cult complex unearthed in Israel

By T.K. Randall
October 15, 2014 ·  3 comments

The view overlooking Tel Burna in Israel. Image Credit: PD - Joeuziel Dating back 3,300 years, the complex has already yielded a number of surprises including a selection of ritualistic artifacts and a huge courtyard measuring over fifty square feet.

It isn't clear specifically which deities would have been worshipped at the site however the Canaanite storm god Baal is believed to be a distinct possibility, as is the ancient war goddess Anat.Some of the items found at the site include huge jars the size of a person, burnt animal bones, three connected cups and fragments of two face masks.

"It is difficult to determine exactly who the masks are depicting and whether it is a specific image," said research director Professor Itzhaq Shai of Ariel University. "In general, masks are known to have been used in cultic ceremonies and processions."

Other artifacts discovered at the site include goblets, chalices, figurines and even a scarab with a hieroglyphic inscription that appears to have originated in ancient Egypt.

Source: Discovery News | Comments (3)

Tags: Israel, Cult Complex, Tel Burna