Discovering Jerusalem

When noted archaeologist Nahman Avigad agreed to direct the first excavation of the Jewish Quarter in the Upper City of Jerusalem, he was unaware he and his team would make some of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. With the unearthing of the Israelite wall, and numerous other major finds in 10 years of painstaking work, Avigad and his colleagues have given the world the most accurate and detailed history yet of the Holy City. 'Discovering Jerusalem' is the first English-language account of these history-making discoveries.As Avigad and his crew explored the Upper City layer by layer, they brought to light unimagined historical and archaeological treasures from the city's rich and troubled past: 1) The 'Burnt House,' the first dwelling to show irrefutable and graphic effects of the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. 2) Refuse from a Jewish glass factory, hailed as a discovery of revolutionary significance for technological research 3) The 'cardio maximus,' the magnificent colonnaded, portico-lined north/south street from teh Byzantine era. 4) The Nea Church, one of the most significant buildings of its age, b uilt by the emperor Justinian in A.D. 543 5) A rare Greek inscription commemorating a structure built by Justinian (its patron and donor) under the direction of Constantine (abbot of the Nea monastery) circa A.D. 549-50. 'Discovering Jerusalem' is the fascinating account of history revealed by the archaeologist's spade. Avigad's extensive use of photographs and illustrations enables the reader to experience firsthand the excitement of his discoveries.