Ancient Canaanite Citadel to Become Part of Israeli High-Rise
JERUSALEM, Israel -- A 3,400-year-old Canaanite citadel is set to become part of a brand new high-rise apartment complex with underground parking in northern Israel.
Archaeologists with the Israel Antiquities Authority uncovered the ancient citadel in the seaside city of Nahariya recently as part of the building project by the Kochav Company.
Many building projects in Israel start with archaeological digs, known as salvage excavations. Most of the time they're re-covered or moved, but because of the nature and quality of the find this one will have a different outcome.
The IAA together with the builders agreed to preserve part of the citadel so it could be put on display in the basement of the building for residents and visitors.
According to the archaeologists, the citadel was likely an administrative center that served mariners who sailed the Mediterranean coast more than 3,000 years ago.
They said there was probably a dock alongside the citadel. They discovered many artifacts like ceramic figurines, bronze weapons and imported pottery vessels, they said attested to the extensive commercial and cultural activity of the time.
The fortress was destroyed at least four times and rebuilt. Now it will become part of a modern apartment building. It's one more sign that Israel is a unique blend of the ancient and modern.
