1. Ancient Jewish hiding complex in northern Israel dug during Roman Empire revolt is being excavated
2. Discovery links to ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict issues and ancient Jewish resistance
3. Hamas’ extensive tunnel network in Gaza used for combat and storage contrasts with historical Jewish underground caves as hiding places
In northern Israel, an ancient underground refuge dating back almost 2,000 years ago was discovered during a revolt against the Roman Empire. The labyrinth of narrow tunnels and caves was found in Huqoq, Galilee, and was designed to shelter entire families. This archaeological discovery echoes ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict issues, as the Jewish rebels used the network for families to hide while the Romans were present, fearing for their lives.
The excavation is being led by Professor Yinon Shivtiel of the Zefat Academic College along with the Israel Antiquities Authority. Eighty-three hiding complexes have been found, indicating that Jews utilized these caves during revolts against the Romans. The caves were confirmed to have been in use during the First Revolt from 66-74 AD and the Bar-Kochba Rebellion from 132-136 AD.
The tunnels in Huqoq affirm the Jewish ancestral connection to ancient Israel, but they are also located close to land that was once home to over 200 Palestinian Arabs in the former village of Yaquq. This village was depopulated during the Israeli War of Independence, known to Palestinians as the Nakba. Meanwhile, in present-day Gaza, Hamas has constructed an elaborate network of tunnels for defense and to house weapons and supplies, setting it apart from the ancient Jewish hiding complexes that were not used for combat.
Modern-day Israel now utilizes safe rooms due to ongoing rocket attacks from militants in Gaza and Lebanon. Tunnel warfare, dating back to the 9th century BC, has evolved over time, with underground networks serving different purposes for various conflicts throughout history.