Archaeologists have unearthed a monumental structure at Horvat Tevet in Northern Israel, just outside the modern-day city of Afula. The pillared building had been earlier identified as Roman structure in 19th century surveys. Recent excavations, however, have revealed that the prominent remains date to the 9th century BC. The foundations of the building were laid with chiseled limestone blocks that had been brought from a distance, as the local stone is basalt, and the floors were paved. Near this central complex, archaeologists discovered an industrial area, with large storage jars that were typical of the Omride period. They believe the jars were part of a centralized administration that redistributed food throughout the Northern Kingdom. The scholars involved with the excavations have suggested the monumental main complex served as a rural estate for the Kings of Israel, such as Omri, Ahab and their descendants.
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