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The Extraordinary Find of a Courtesan’s Tomb in Jerusalem
During the latest excavations near Jerusalem, archaeologists unearthed a burial chamber containing the remains of a young woman. Researchers believe she was a courtesan or hetaira who lived during the transition between the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE.
In 332 BC, Alexander the Great’s armies conquered Asia Minor, Syria, and Phoenicia, while Judea surrendered without resistance. This region became part of the expanding Macedonian empire, marking the beginning of Hellenization in ancient Israel. Over time, the lands of Palestine started to adopt Greek culture, language, traditions, and sometimes even customs and practices.
A Unique Burial on the Ancient Hebron Road
Israeli archaeologists found the tomb during excavations along the ancient road leading to Hebron. Inside the tomb were cremated human remains. Studies revealed that they belonged to a young woman who lived in the 4th to 3rd century BCE, during the rule of the Ptolemaic dynasty in Palestine.
Researchers from the Israel Antiquities Authority and Tel Aviv University explained that the woman was buried alongside a rare and exceptionally well-preserved bronze mirror. Additionally, iron nails were found among the remains.
“This is a rare find from the Hellenistic…
