Aerial view of the 2,000-year-old basilica in Tel Ashkelon National Park.© Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority
Posted on 06/08/2021 6:26:59 PM PDT by SunkenCiv
The Israel Antiquities Authority announced on Monday that archaeologists have discovered a 2,000-year-old Roman basilica established by King Herod. Unearthed in Ashkelon National Park, the basilica, found with a nearby odeon (ancient theater), is the largest structure of its kind in Israel... The basilica he erected stood at the heart of Ashkelon—then a major seaport with a thriving trade economy—and functioned as a hub for all aspects of public life. In the Roman Era, it was common for citizens to conduct business and legal affairs, to socialize, and to attend religious ceremonies and performances there. The massive public building contained a central hall flanked by 40-foot marble columns and two side halls. The floors and walls throughout were made of marble, which was imported by ship from Asia Minor.
(Excerpt) Read more at artnews.com ...
Aerial view of the 2,000-year-old basilica in Tel Ashkelon National Park.© Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority
Ooh, nice ground-level photo:
Wonder what they would do if a performer took a knee during the anthem?
Thanks for the ping. I sent this to my wife for her files.
She is a leader in a bible study group at our church.
They spend a lot of time studying that area before and after Christ.
My pleasure.
Well, this was during the Roman occupation. There is another thread a few threads down about excavating the graves of 57 folks who were beheaded in Roman times and then buried, some with their heads. I guess the Romans did not simply fine the players.
to add to the history, marble was a second-phase addition/upgrade, with some of it ending up in a 19th century mosque in Jaffa:
https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/.premium-israeli-archaeologists-resurrecting-herod-s-monumental-basilica-in-ashkelon-1.9860322
Thanks BP!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
