Ancient Tunnel Complex From Bar Kokhba Revolt Discovered in Israel

A recent dig at Huqoq near the Sea of Galilee in Israel involving students, locals, and soldiers, uncovered new things about Jewish history, such s when people prepared shelters for the revolt against the Romans led by Bar Kokhba in 132 to 136 CE.

During the dig, it was found that the people of Huqoq adapted their water cistern, originally made in the Second Temple period, into a hiding place. They did this as part of getting ready for the First Revolt in 66 CE and the Bar Kokhba Revolt in 132 CE. When danger loomed, they even made a tunnel from a mikveh, breaking a wall for escape routes, as reported by an Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) spokesperson.

These tunnels allowed sneaking around under houses in tight spaces. This underground system, the biggest found in Galilee, had about eight hiding spots.

The connecting tunnels were dug at right angles, making it hard for the heavily armed Roman soldiers to chase them. The excavation also turned up lots of broken clay and glass dishes, a fancy ring (though the gem itself wasn’t there), and other discoveries.

An Impressive Tunnel Complex from the period of the Bar Kokhba Revolt revealed near the Sea of Galilee :

The excavations have provided a glance at a dramatic episode in the history of the Jewish people: the preparation of shelters for the Revolt of the Jews against the Romans… pic.twitter.com/s80c1cdBDT

— Archaeo – Histories (@archeohistories) March 19, 2024

Synagogue uncovered near hiding complex

Huqoq has a rich Jewish history dating back around 2,000 years to the Early Roman period. The Jerusalem and Babylonian Talmuds talk about Rabbi Pinhas and Rabbi Hezekiah, wise men who lived in the area during the third and fourth centuries CE.

Near the hiding complex, there’s a hill where a synagogue from the Byzantine period is located. That synagogue also has some really special mosaics. The excavation of this synagogue started in 2011 and was led by Professor Jodi Magness and her team from North Carolina University.

The hiding complex system at Huqoq is an important site set to be developed in Galilee. It will show the public how the Jewish community defended itself during revolts, according to the IAA spokesperson.

“We turned the excavation in the hiding complex into a community excavation as part of the Israel Antiquities Authority’s vision of connecting the public to its heritage,” says Dr. Einat Ambar-Armon, director of the Israel Antiquities Authority Archeological-Educational Center in the Northern Region.

Ancient tunnel complex from Bar Kokhba revolt discovered in Israel

The discovery of the hiding complex adds to a substantial debate among experts. They’re arguing whether the Bar Kokhba revolt reached Galilee or stayed in Judea and Central Israel.

Uri Berger of the Israel Antiquities Authority and Professor Yinon Shivtiel of the Zefat Academic College believe the inner parts of the hiding complex were made at the start of the Second Revolt.

They believe some features were used even during the First Revolt. They’re not entirely sure if the complex was used for hiding and escaping during the Second Revolt, but they think it was set up for that purpose. There is hope future excavations will provide additional clues.