Among the finds, probably from the ninth century AD, was a mortar stone for crushing aromatic plants, next to it a clay jar sunk into the floor around which a funnel was built - indicating that it was a valuable liquid.
The excavation site in Tiberias, today. The value of the findings is a stone mortar for crushing the aromatic plants, photo: Itzik Ben-Malchi
The excavations in ancient Tiberias, from the period of the Mishna and the Talmud, have in recent days provided further proof of the name given to the city as "the city of treasures". Near the market square, tools were found that indicate a small workshop for the production of perfumes, in front of which was a stand selling the perfume.
Among the finds, probably from the ninth century AD, was a mortar stone for crushing aromatic plants, next to it a clay jar sunk into the floor around which a funnel was built - indicating that it was a valuable liquid.
Other finds that testify to the activity at the site are a small clay vial, a small and designed bronze spoon that was used for the perfume industry and a headstone that was probably used as a secondary bench for workers at the site. Nearby, a room was discovered where lids were made, the use of which is still unknown.
Laboratory researchers from the Weizmann Institute are supposed to come to the place and shed light on the ingredients of the perfume that is produced there. The excavations at the site will end on Thursday this week, and will resume in November.
