A HIDDEN pyramid buried for 2,200 years has been unearthed alongside hoards of treasure.
While attempting to document and preserve sites once threatened by looting and illegal excavations, archaeologists made a shocking discovery.
The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) team had been working around the vast Nahal Zohar.
It lies in the Judean Desert in Israel and the West Bank and stretches from the Judean Mountains to the Dead Sea.
Some of the freshly unearthed artefacts include scrolls, weapons, leather objects, wooden utensils and coin hordes.
However, the discovery of a large pyramid-shaped complex built with hand-carved stones, each weighing hundreds of pounds took centre stage.
The pyramid was believed to date back to the First Temple period, around 1,000 BC to 586 BC.
However, it's more likely to have operated 2,200 years ago.
A stones throw away archaeologists also discovered papyrus documents written in Greek and coins issued during the reigns of the Ptolemies and Antiochus IV.
This indicates the building dates to the Hellenistic period.
The team, working in collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage, has used advanced rappelling equipment, cutting-edge technology and unique documentation methods to make its discoveries.
Researchers don't currently know the structures purpose, but believe it may have served as a tomb or watchtower to safeguard important trade routes.
IAA Director, Eli Escusido, said: “The archaeological survey of the Judean Desert is one of the most significant operations in the history of the State of Israel.
“The discoveries are exciting and of great value for historical and archaeological research.”;
Meanwhile, Hertiage Minister Amihai Eliyahu praised the discovery.
They said: “This is yet another testament to the historical and cultural wealth buried in our land's soil.
“The pyramid structure and rare finds illuminate an important chapter in the history of the land of Israel and strengthen our deep connection to our heritage.
“I'm proud of the dedicated work by the Israel Antiquities Authority staff, who, alongside hundreds of enthusiastic volunteers, are saving these treasures from antiquity looters.
“The Judean Desert survey project is an excellent example of how the State ofIsraelpreserves its cultural assets for future generations.
It comes after archaeologists found an underwater 2,000-year-old temple of an ancient civilisation that was mysteriously lost at sea.
The site had been dedicated to Dushra, a supreme god of the Nabataen civilisation,datingback to the fourth century B.C.
However, destructive volcanic activity submerged parts of the island and altered the coastline, making it unusable.
Until 2023, researchers stumbled across the temple while mapping the seafloor of the coast of Pozzuoli.
Michele Stefanile, an author of the studysaid, “For me this was one of the most unexpected discoveries.”;
