Ancient church discovered inside Israeli prison
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - An ancient church dating back to the third or fourth century has been discovered inside one of Israel`s maximum security prisons, the Israel Antiquities Authority said on Saturday.
Excavations inside Megiddo prison in northern Israel unearthed the remains of a structure which included a mosaic with inscriptions in Greek and murals of fish as well as an altar, the Authority said.
Sharon Shouab, Megiddo prison commander, told Israel`s Channel Two television that the site had been discovered amid planned work to build a new security wing.
The jail houses prisoners including members of Palestinian militant groups Islamic Jihad and Hamas who are sworn to Israel`s destruction.
Channel Two reported that the site had been discovered some months ago but was kept secret until now.
"This is a once in a lifetime find and the inscriptions are very rare," Antiquities Authority excavation supervisor, Jotham Tefer, told Channel Two.
Megiddo is Hebrew for Armageddon and overlooking the watchtowers, barbed wire and walls which encircle the prison lies the hill of Armageddon, the site which Christian teachings say will herald the final battle before the coming of the messiah.
Channel Two said Israel`s Prison Authority had allowed 60 prisoners, charged with criminal offences, to be involved in the excavation work.
"I never dreamed of anything like this. When we found something at the site we just kept on working. It is amazing," prisoner Ramil Raziloub said.
Reuters
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