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del.icio.us Digg It!  new Last update - 02:13 19/12/2007 Treasure-hunting sisters find human remains from Roman era By Fadi Eyadat, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: Caesarea, Human Remains  Human remains believed to be 2,000 years old were found this week by two sisters near the ruins of the ancient city of Caesarea. Julia Shvicky of Kibbutz Barkai and Janet Daws, visiting from England, found some bones that had washed up on the shore during a stroll by the beach. "I love taking strolls at this spot. I always look for special stones and coins from the Roman era," Shvicky said. "Just as we started walking I said to my sister: 'Wouldn't it be fun if we found something interesting?'" Advertisement At first, the sisters did not know they had found human bones. They took them to the kibbutz nurse who told them the bones were part of a human spinal cord and hip. They immediately handed their find over to the police who briefly quizzed them and sent the human remains to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine at Abu Kabir for examination. Though test results are not yet in, police and the Israeli Antiquities Authorities (IAA) estimate the findings date back to Roman times. The city of Caesarea has a long and varied history. It was originally built by King Herod in the first century B.C.E., who constructed an artificial harbor, markets, baths and a grand palace. A large hippodrome where chariot races and other events were held was later added. The city, which reached its peak during the Byzantine period, nearly vanished during the early Arab era. A small walled town was built on a small portion of it by the Crusaders but after they were expelled from the Holy Land it was finally abandoned. Today, the archeological site is part of the Caesarea National Park administered by the Nature and National Parks Protection Authority. Much of its ruins have been excavated and are on display. In addition, its ancient amphitheater is a popular venue for concerts. Human remains have often been found at the site by visitors. IAA's northern district head, Kamil Sari, said that bones are usually washed up after strong rains. About eight months ago, IAA officials reburied a skull that was found exposed in a nearby area. Pottery fragments dating from the Roman period were found beside it. Archeologists say a number of graves are believed to be in the area. Reflecting on her experience, would-be treasure hunter Shvicky seemed rather amused. "My sister and I were rolling over laughing we wanted something interesting and we found it," she said. Related articles: At Galilee site, solving a mystery from the time of Solomon Pilgrims' road to Temple unearthed in City of David dig Second century Roman road, bath unearthed near Jerusalem temple site Bookmark to del.icio.us Organic memory Israeli research is among '50 most significant scientific breakthroughs in 2007.' Floating the PA International donors pledged $7.4 billion to help boost the PA economy .   1.   still no khazar bones found huh? 03:01  |  question 19/12/07   2.   question #1 -- It`s no surprise 09:20  |  bbl 19/12/07   3.   to N°1 11:46  |  castor Troy 19/12/07   4.   to N°1 11:46  |  castor Troy 19/12/07   5.   religious delusion vs archeological evidence 20:28  |  question2 19/12/07

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