Archaeologists in Israel have made a rare find in a deep mountain cave near Jerusalem. They have uncovered artifacts dating back to the time of the Jewish rebellion against the Romans—nearly 2000 years ago. Our correspondent bring us this story.

Archaeologists in Israel have made a discovery that sheds light on the little known final years of a Jewish settlement that existed in Israel some 2000 years ago. The discovery suggests that the cave served as an important refuge for the Jewish rebels in their last efforts to fight-off Roman invaders.

Searching the cave, researchers from Hebrew and Bar-Ilan universities found evidence that the revolt against the Romans was planned in advance by legendary Jewish civil and military leader Bar-Kokhba.

[Amos Frumkin, Hebrew University Professor]:   
“He organized the Jewish people for the revolt by building underground fortifications, preparing weapons, preparing everything for the revolt, because he really thought that he could win this war against the Roman Empire. But in the end he didn't, of course.”

Besides a lot of drinking-pots, candles and weapons, 120 coins were found in the cave—some of them Roman, some of them re-printed by the rebels with Jewish symbols such as harps and vines. Some show the façade of a Jewish Temple ruined by the Romans. The Hebrew writings say: "For the freedom of Jerusalem," and more.

With the Jews prepared so well, the Romans had to bring their legions from Europe and Britain to defeat the rebels. Some of their legions were completely wiped out.

A bitterer ending awaited the Jews.

[Amos Frumkin, Hebrew University Professor]:
"They were either killed or taken away to be slaves of Rome, so this actually put an end to much of the Jewish settlement within the land of Israel."

These artifacts are silent evidence of hope and defeat in a tragic era that resulted in 2,000 years of exile for the ancient Jewish people.