Posted on 11/28/2005 11:27:50 AM PST by blam
An Antiques Authority worker climbing out of one of the recently discovered prison cells in Tiberias. (Yaron Kaminsky)
Last update - 02:16 28/11/2005
Ancient prison cells unearthed in Tiberias dig
By Eli Ashkenazi
A bit of what prisoners suffered in ancient times can be seen as of yesterday at the archaeological dig in the old city of Tiberias. Excavations of the basilica compound in the eastern part of the old city recently unearthed two small chambers believed to have served as holding cells for prisoners awaiting trial.
If today's custody conditions at police stations elicit complaints from detainees and defense lawyers, well, prisoners didn't have it all that good 1,800 years ago either.
The cells are located below the level of the main administrative building, the basilica. That fact bolsters the theory that they served as holding cells, where crowded prisoners waited to be called for trial. Each cell measures 1.8 by 2.7 meters, and is 2.07 meters high. Its walls are extremely thick, with the outer wall (1.1 meters thick) containing two narrow openings onto the city square. The slits presumably provided ventilation, and one also served as a food portal.
(Excerpt) Read more at haaretz.com ...
GGG Ping.
SHHH! That's the secret CIA torture center!
You know, panties on the head, is truly a diabolical method of torture. Not even ancient civilizations stooped to that level. Which only goes to prove Ted Kennedy's point...we are a terrible people.
Panties on a prisoner's head is far worse than beheading them with a knife. Particularly if the panties belonged to Janet Reno...
Any ancient underware or dog collars found?
Assuming these are from the time of Herod, the activities of King Herod make Saddam look like a sane and rational man. These cells were probably "guest quarters" for some of his family that raised his suspicions.
Didn't ALL of Herod's family raise his suspicions?
Cassius Graner and Lynndvis of Hibernia.
Herod is one fascinating human study.
I always thought the story of his life and times would make a good movie....just in case Mel Gibson is reading!
Please FREEPMAIL me if you want on or off the
"Gods, Graves, Glyphs" PING list or GGG weekly digest
-- Archaeology/Anthropology/Ancient Cultures/Artifacts/Antiquities, etc.
Gods, Graves, Glyphs (alpha order)
Is that the prison Helen Thomas escaped from to unleash her fury on mankind?
Cassius Graner and Lynndvis of Hibernia.
Hibernia (hei-BUHR-nee-uh), village, Morris co., N N.J., 10 mi/16 km N of Morristown. Largely residential. Until c.1912 was thriving iron-mining town; Hibernia Furnace here furnished munitions in Amer. Revolution.
Plenty of chicks cuter than her in New Jersey.
(steely)
The CIA went back in time to torture detainees!
Any evidence of ancient liberals wanting to set the most vicious prisoners free?
I dunno -- seems to me that each of the Herods in the NT was a fruit loop. One could only watch so much of the train wreck that the movie(s) would depict.
"Release Barabbas!"
Is Steely talking 'bout you? :)
Brings to mind the film "Ben Hur", where Judah's mother and sister were held unerground for years, where they developed leprosy.
Wish the picture had shown up. Can't even get to the site for some reason.
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.