WATCH: Ancient shopping center unearthed during excavations prior to construction in central Israel

Archaeologists in central Israel have uncovered a 1,300-year-old industrial and commercial complex beneath the Winter Stadium parking lot in Ramat Gan. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced the discovery on August 16, 2026, following months of excavations conducted prior to the construction of a new bus terminal by Netivei Ayalon. The site includes ancient streets, pottery kilns, and multiple industrial buildings, offering a rare glimpse into the economic and cultural life of the region during the Umayyad, Abbasid, and Fatimid periods. Excavations began after the decision to build a large bus terminal necessitated a thorough review of the area’s historical layers. The findings include a range of artifacts such as oil lamps, pottery vessels, bronze tableware, iron tools, and a variety of coins. These items suggest a thriving center of commerce and industry, possibly serving as a major trade hub or part of an unrecorded nearby settlement. Researchers from the IAA have proposed two primary interpretations of the site’s function, though neither theory has been definitively confirmed. The complex appears to have operated continuously for approximately 150 years before being abandoned for unknown reasons. It was later repopulated in the 10th century CE, with residents constructing additional buildings and production facilities. Evidence of this second occupation includes numerous clay baking ovens known as tabuns. However, the site was abandoned again in the late 11th century, just before the arrival of the Crusaders, and remained uninhabited thereafter. Among the most notable discoveries are the remnants of an organized urban layout, including straight, intersecting streets lined with structures that appear to have functioned as shops or warehouses. Industrial facilities, pottery kilns, and other features indicate a high level of planning and organization. According to IAA excavation directors Dr. Yoav Arbel and Lior Rauchberger, the site was likely constructed under the direction of regional authorities, possibly with their financial support. Its strategic location near the main road connecting Jaffa, Ramla, and Jerusalem suggests it played a key role in regional trade networks. The site also benefits from proximity to fertile agricultural land and accessible water sources, factors that would have made it attractive for long-term habitation and economic activity. Despite the absence of definitive evidence pointing to a specific religious or ethnic group, the presence of diverse artifacts implies that the community was composed of multiple groups, including Muslims, Christians, Jews, and Samaritans. The discovery has exceeded previous expectations, according to the IAA officials, who emphasized the significance of finding such a well-planned and extensive complex in the region. The artifacts recovered provide valuable insights into the material culture, trade practices, and daily life of the period. Among the items unearthed are dozens of intact oil lamps, bronze tableware, cosmetic tools, and a wide array of pottery and glass fragments, both locally produced and imported. Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu praised the find, stating it underscores Israel’s rich historical and archaeological heritage. He noted that such discoveries demonstrate how windows into distant periods of history can emerge unexpectedly in modern settings. The IAA plans to host an open day on August 19, allowing the public to view the findings before they are covered for preservation. Future displays of the artifacts remain under consideration, pending further evaluation of their condition and conservation needs. The site will be protected and preserved following the open day, ensuring that the historical value of the discovery is maintained for future study and public engagement. Researchers continue to analyze the artifacts and structures to better understand the site’s role in the broader context of medieval Middle Eastern history.