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11/02/2024 11:33:47 am

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Ancient Cult Complex Uncovered in Israel

Cult complex in Israel

(Photo : Professor Itzhaq Shai) The foundations of the ancient cult complex in Israel were made of field stone

Archaeologists have discovered a massive cult complex at Tel Burna in Israel dating back some 3,300 years.

While archaeologists haven't fully excavated the cult complex, they assume it's quite big since the courtyard alone measures 16 meters x 16 meters, or 52 feet x 52 feet. They discovered fragments of facemasks, connected cups and massive jars inside the complex.

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The jars were almost as big as a person and had scorched animal remains inside, suggesting sacrificial rituals were carried out.

Although archaeologists aren't sure who was revered at the complex, Baal, the Canaanite storm god, is a strong possibility.

"The letters of Ugarit [an ancient site in modern-day Syria] suggest that of the Canaanite pantheon, Baal, the Canaanite storm god, would have been the most likely candidate," said Itzhaq Shai, a professor at Ariel University directing a research project at Tel Burna, to Live Science in an email.

Archaeologists also said a female deity such as the ancient war goddess Anat was glorified at the site. Artifacts found at the site include fragments of two masks.

"The burna mask fragments, both of noses, are quite interesting, because they are quite large, although as seen in [a photo], they were clearly meant to be worn," Shai said.

He also said that determining who exactly the masks represent and whether it's a particular image will be difficult. Masks are known to have been used in cultic processions and ceremonies.

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