Dating back to the Tetrarchy period, archaeologists have unearthed a rare Roman artifact (photo included).

In Tel Abel Beit Maacah, Israel, archaeologists have unearthed a Roman boundary stone. This ancient artifact, dating back to the period of the Tetrarchy, provides valuable insights into ancient land ownership, settlement dynamics, and administrative practices of the Roman Empire, writes Arkeonews.

The discovery, linked to the reforms of Emperor Diocletian, sheds light on how territorial boundaries were managed and organized at the end of the 3rd century AD.

The basalt stone, inscribed with Greek text, offers new information about two previously unknown geographical names—Tyrtas and Golgotha—which may correspond to locations documented during the 19th-century studies of Western Palestine.

This finding also identifies an imperial surveyor, or "censor," for the first time, enhancing our understanding of the socio-economic and geographical history of the region.

Measuring 101 cm in length, up to 48 cm in width, and 20-23 cm in thickness, the stone was likely originally used to demarcate agricultural boundaries as part of Diocletian's tax reforms. Although its previous location remains uncertain, its proximity to the excavation site suggests it was left in this area.

This boundary stone is part of a broader collection of over 20 similar markers found in the region, showcasing the economic and administrative changes that occurred during the Roman Tetrarchy. Diocletian's governance model divided the empire between two senior rulers (Augusti) and their junior counterparts (Caesares), marking a significant shift in imperial administration.

The excavations conducted in 2022 were led by Professor Naama Yahalon-Mak and Dr. Nava Panitz-Cohen from the Institute of Archaeology at the Hebrew University, along with Professor Robert Mullins from Azusa Pacific University. The inscription was deciphered by Dr. Avner Ecker and Professor Uzi Leibner.

"This discovery is a testament to the thorough administrative reorganization of the Roman Empire during the Tetrarchy," comments Professor Leibner, "It offers a tangible connection to the lives of the people who managed complex systems nearly two millennia ago."

Dr. Ecker added, "The mention of previously unknown geographical names and a new imperial surveyor demonstrates how even modest finds can significantly expand our understanding of the past."

The stone from Tel Abel Beit Maacah reveals the connection between local settlement patterns and imperial policy, serving as an important piece of the puzzle in understanding the economic and administrative landscape of the Roman Near East.

We also reported on the "rhino" beneath the roadway. Archaeologists discovered a 1500-year-old Roman-era stone sarcophagus, weighing 750 kilograms.