Khalet al-Jam‟a.a Bronze and Iron Ages Necropolis Near Bethlehem (Palestine): Results of the 2019 Archaeological Excavations

A significant archaeological discovery near Bethlehem reveals that Tomb A7, initially identified as an Iron Age burial site, was originally constructed during the Early Bronze IVB period and subsequently modified for use during the Middle Bronze and Iron Ages. This finding, uncovered by a joint Italian-Palestinian team in 2019, suggests a continuous cultural and ritualistic use of the necropolis spanning over a millennium, from the 4th millennium BC to the 8th-7th century BC. The excavation focused on Tomb A7, employing rescue archaeology techniques to document its structure and associated artifacts, providing new insights into the funerary practices and historical continuity in this region near the Church of the Nativity.

Nigro, L., Montanari, D., Cecconi, G., Ghayyada, M., & Yasine, J. (2019). KHALET AL-JAM‟A.A BRONZE AND IRON AGES NECROPOLIS NEAR BETHLEHEM (PALESTINE): RESULTS OF THE 2019 ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS. Vicino Oriente, 23, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.53131/vo2724-587x2019_1