Archeological Excavations in Horbat Midras, Israel (9 images)

A close up of a mosaic floor in a large public compound from the Second Temple period, that was unearthed during excavations in Horbat Midras, Israel, February 2, 2011. Recently, after illicit excavations by antiquities robbers, the Israel Antiquities Authority Unit for the Prevention of Antiquities Robbery, carried out an excavation at the site. The excavations revealed an impressive mosaic floor and a church. Scholars who have visited the site proposed identifying the place as the residence and tomb of the prophet Zechariah. UPI/Debbie Hill

A close up of a mosaic floor in a large public compound from the Second Temple period, that was unearthed during excavations in Horbat Midras, Israel, February 2, 2011. Recently, after illicit excavations by antiquities robbers, the Israel Antiquities Authority Unit for the Prevention of Antiquities Robbery, carried out an excavation at the site. The excavations revealed an impressive mosaic floor and a church. Scholars who have visited the site proposed identifying the place as the residence and tomb of the prophet Zechariah. UPI/Debbie Hill

An overview of the excavated remains of a church from the Byzantine period, built inside a large public compound from the Second Temple period, in Horbat Midras, Israel, February 2, 2011. Recently, after illicit excavations by antiquities robbers, the Israel Antiquities Authority Unit for the Prevention of Antiquities Robbery, carried out an excavation at the site. The excavations revealed an impressive mosaic floor and a church. Scholars who have visited the site proposed identifying the place as the residence and tomb of the prophet Zechariah. UPI/Debbie Hill

A stone found at the excavated remains of a church from the Byzantine period, built inside a large public compound from the Second Temple period, in Horbat Midras, Israel, February 2, 2011. Recently, after illicit excavations by antiquities robbers, the Israel Antiquities Authority Unit for the Prevention of Antiquities Robbery, carried out an excavation at the site. The excavations revealed an impressive mosaic floor and a church. Scholars who have visited the site proposed identifying the place as the residence and tomb of the prophet Zechariah. UPI/Debbie Hill