Ancient Bar Kokhba revolt-era hiding tunnels, Byzantine church reopened to public in Israel

An archaeological complex featuring an ancient Byzantine church and underground tunnels used by ancient Jewish rebels hiding from the Romans was inaugurated last week at Horvat Burgin in Adullam–France Park (Parc de France-Adoulam).

The opening ceremony was held jointly by Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), and the Mateh Yehuda Regional Council, following extensive excavation, conservation, and development work to make the area accessible to the public.

Previous excavations at the site, conducted by the IAA’s Theft Prevention Unit Director Dr. Amir Ganor, Alon Klein, and Dr. Peter Gendelman of the IAA, revealed evidence of a large Second Temple settlement that existed up through the Ottoman period.  

Researchers have proposed the settlement is that of Kfar Bish, a 1st century settlement mentioned first in the writings of Flavius Josephus.

In the early Roman period, those living in the settlement carved an extensive network of hiding tunnels into the bedrock in preparation for conflict.

The settlement was eventually besieged by the Romans and destroyed during the Bar Kokhba revolt (132-136 CE).

According to Josephus, its surrounding wall was very strong and as such, the Roman’s expected the siege to last a long time, but the settlement’s inhabitants unexpectedly surrendered and surrendered themselves.

A pagan population subsequently settled amongst the ruins of the Jewish settlement, constructing new buildings above ground and hewing elaborate burial sites beneath it.

Safeguarding site against looters

During the Byzantine period, a church, whose floor is decorated with colorful mosaics, and monastic complex was built at the site. Numerous columbaria, infrastructure used for raising pigeons, and winepresses were also discovered at the site.

“Horvat Burgin is the largest ancient settlement in the area, both in its extent and in the scale of its surviving remains,” said Ganor. “For years, the site suffered from intensive antiquities looting. Looters broke into burial caves and underground hiding systems and damaged buildings aboveground.”

“It was only through intensive efforts by Israel Antiquities Authority inspectors and KKL-JNF personnel, including enforcement operations and the apprehension of looting gangs, the initiative to establish Adullam Caves Park, excavations undertaken in response to looting, and the opening of the site and park to visitors, that further damage was halted. The site was saved, and now, following conservation work, it can be enjoyed by the public.”

Making heritage accessible for all

KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky emphasized the organization’s responsibility to safeguard Israel’s heritage, including that of Horvat Burgin.

“The story of Horbat Burgin is the story of our land. Our responsibility at KKL-JNF is not only to protect nature and forests, but also to safeguard our historical heritage and make it accessible to the public,” said Ostrinsky. “Our cooperation with the Israel Antiquities Authority enables us to connect the land’s past with the present and ensure that these sites remain an integral part of the Israeli story.”

Avishai Cohen, head of the Mateh Yehuda Regional Council, echoed Ostrinsky, adding that the development of the site is importance to strengthening tourism in the region.

“Mateh Yehuda is the land of the Bible, a region where history, heritage, and landscapes together tell the story of the Jewish people over thousands of years,” he explained, noting the council’s efforts to turn the area into a tourist destination.

“Opening the site to the public allows the local community and the younger generation to grow up with pride in their roots and a deep connection to the land.”

“We will continue to provide full municipal support for our partnerships with KKL-JNF and the Israel Antiquities Authority,” affirmed Cohen. “Together, we will create a vibrant, welcoming destination for families and visitors from across the country.”

“For us at the Israel Antiquities Authority, uncovering fascinating finds in the ground is the beginning of a journey, one that continues with preserving this heritage for future generations,” said Ami Shahar, deputy director-general for Built Heritage Conservation at the IAA. “Our responsibility is to ensure that these impressive remains are preserved to the highest standards for many years to come and become a living cultural asset accessible to the wider public.”

“The Horvat Burgin project is an excellent example of our fruitful cooperation with KKL-JNF. Together, we are transforming the history of the Land of Israel into a tangible experience, inviting families and visitors to connect directly with the past.”

Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu (Otzma Yehudit) added that the discoveries made at Horvat Burgin “bear living witness to our deep roots in this land, our enduring attachment to it, and our unceasing struggle for it.”

“The tunnels dug by Jewish rebels two thousand years ago in their struggle against the Romans are not merely pages of history, but a tangible lifeline connecting our people’s past heroism with our sovereignty and national rebirth today,” he said. “We will continue to develop these heritage sites so that every young person in Israel can walk the trails, visit the sites, and draw from them national pride and inner strength for generations to come.”