Rediscovery of Byzantine Christian settlement in Jordan
Archaeologists from Mu’tah University led by Musallam R. Al‑Rawahneh uncovered what is believed to be the lost Byzantine town of Tharais, near the Dead Sea. Finds include pottery shards, glass fragments, fossils, and architectural remains of a basilica‑style church with mosaic flooring and an olive‑oil press. Ancient inscriptions—possibly linked to Christian funerary rites—were also found. The site was likely abandoned in the 7th century due to shifting trade routes, environmental changes, and the region’s transition from Byzantine to Islamic rule. From the New York Post
Evidence for Jesus’s first miracle site in Galilee
Historian‑archaeologist Tom McCollough proposes that the real location of Jesus’s first miracle—turning water into wine—may be Khirbet Qana, not the traditional Kafr Kanna. Excavations revealed a 1,500‑year‑old complex of Christian veneration caves marked with crosses and inscriptions like “Kyrie Iesou”, as well as a stone altar and space for six ceremonial jars—matching the Gospel of John. McCollough’s findings align with early historical texts describing the area as a Jewish village. From the New York Post
Cave once thought to be Salome’s burial may belong to Herodian royalty
A cave southwest of Jerusalem, long believed to be the burial site of “Salome the midwife of Jesus,” may instead belong to a member of the Herodian royal family, possibly Herod the Great’s sister. The cave’s monumental architecture and ornate features typical of elite Herodian tombs support this claim. Hundreds of clay lamps—likely sold to Christian pilgrims—were also found, attesting to the site’s Byzantine-era veneration. Experts caution more evidence is needed to confirm identity. From Live Science
Ancient grape and olive traces at Golgotha support Gospel narratives
Italian archaeologists from Sapienza University uncovered 2,000‑year‑old grape pips and olive stones beneath the floor of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, traditionally regarded as Mount Calvary. Soil and pollen analysis suggest that vineyards and olive cultivation existed on the site before Emperor Hadrian’s time—consistent with Gospel descriptions of a garden at Jesus’s crucifixion locale. This restoration-linked discovery has support from both Israeli authorities and major Christian denominations. From The Times
