What's Inside the Israel Museum? A Treasure Trove of Antiquities

The Israel Museum in Jerusalem houses an extraordinary collection spanning 5,000 years of history, blending artifacts from Jewish, Roman, Greek, Egyptian, and Persian civilizations. Here are some of its most remarkable pieces: 🏛️ Highlights of the Collection 1️⃣ Bronze Statue of Emperor Hadrian (117–138 CE) Discovered in Beth Shean Valley, this rare Roman imperial sculpture depicts Hadrian in military attire5. 2️⃣ Ceramic & Stone Fish Artifacts Left: A Canaanite wine-pouring vessel (19th–18th century BCE, Tel Poleg). Right: An Egyptian stone fish (15th century BCE, Tell el-Ajjul). 3️⃣ Egyptian-Inspired Anthropoid Coffins (13th century BCE) From Deir el-Balah, these clay sarcophagi reflect Philistine burial customs. 4️⃣ Basalt Lion Statue (14th century BCE, Beth Shean) A Canaanite guardian figure from an ancient temple. 5️⃣ Triangular Edomite Goddess Head (7th century BCE, Horvat Qitmit) A rare Edomite cultic artifact. 6️⃣ Persian-Style Winged Lion Drinking Vessel (4th century BCE, Sepphoris) A ceramic rhyton used in banquets. 7️⃣ Herodian Palace Bathhouse Mosaic (1st century BCE) Roman-style tiles from King Herod’s luxurious residence. 8️⃣ Ossuary of Joseph, Son of Caiaphas (1st century CE, Jerusalem) Possibly linked to the high priest who condemned Jesus in the New Testament. 9️⃣ Hunting Scene Mosaic (578 CE, Kissufim) May depict Alexander the Great (or a Byzantine noble). 🔟 Marble Menorah (6th century CE) A Jewish ritual object from the Byzantine era. 1️⃣1️⃣ Priest Worshiping the Sun God (7th–8th century BCE) A wooden panel showing ancient Near Eastern religious practices. 1️⃣2️⃣ Hunting Scene of Sassanian King Shapur I (19th century) A Persian-inspired relief. 1️⃣3️⃣ Greek Vase: Theseus vs. Amazon (440 BCE) A black-figure pottery depicting mythological combat. 1️⃣4️⃣ Bronze Hot Water Kettle (3rd century CE) A Roman household item for bathing. 1️⃣5️⃣ Iranian-Inlaid Decorative Panel (17th century) Safavid-era craftsmanship. 1️⃣6️⃣ Gilded Silver Feast Platter (7th–8th century, Iran/Iraq) A Sassanian or early Islamic banquet dish. 1️⃣7️⃣ Golden Mountain Goat (12th–13th century, Iran) A Seljuk-era figurine in precious metal. 1️⃣8️⃣ The Dead Sea Scrolls (3rd century BCE–1st century CE) The oldest biblical manuscripts, written on parchment & papyrus, revealing Jewish life during the Second Temple period347. ✨ Why Visit? A "microcosm of Middle Eastern history"—from Pharaohs to Roman emperors. Unique interfaith artifacts (Jewish, Christian, Islamic, pagan). Stunning displays, including the iconic Shrine of the Book (housing the Dead Sea Scrolls). #IsraelMuseum #History #Art #Archaeology #MiddleEast