An 1,800-year-old military base of the Roman Iron Legion was discovered in Israel – News
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Base of Roman legionnaires
Israel Antiquities Authority
The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) has announced that recent excavations at the foot of the hill of Tel Megiddo, located near the ancient village of Kfar Otnai, have revealed the architectural remains of an 1,800-year-old Iron Legion military base called Ferrata.
The base of Roman legionaries of the 6th legion is the only Roman military base of such a scale that was located in Israel, writes Arkeonews.
During the excavations, the architectural remains of the main highway of the camp were found, as well as a semicircular podium and sections of stone paving.
As researchers note, Julius Caesar recruited this legion in Cisalpine Gaul in 52 BC. e., and his first battle took place during a campaign against the Gallic leader Vercingetorix.
This legion accompanied Caesar to Alexandria. Its name means “armoured”, which is probably a reference to the armor.
“The Roman Legion Camp was a permanent military base for over 5,000 Roman soldiers for over 180 years, from 117-120 AD to about 300 AD.”says Dr. Yotam Tepper, director of excavations on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority.
According to him, two main roads intersected in the center of the camp, 550 meters long and 350 meters wide. The remains of the ancient building have not been completely preserved.
“The unique contribution of the results of this research project lies in the rarity of such archaeological discoveries”– emphasizes Tepper.
He adds: the find at Tel Megiddo is a complex legionary fortress – one of the first of its kind.
During the excavations, archaeologists also found coins, parts of weapons, pottery shards and glass fragments. Roof tiles were found in large quantities. Some of the finds were stamped with the stamps of the 6th Legion.
We will remind, in Bulgaria, archaeologists discovered valuable artifacts in ancient Roman tombs. Among them is a medallion of the Roman emperor Caracalla, dating from 198-217 BC.
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