It was common practice to utilize stone tools during the Second Temple era, and in fact, stone tools have been found at practically all of the region's archaeological sites.

Second temple site for the production of stone tools, September 2023

According to a statement released on Monday by the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), construction on Route 437 in the West Bank revealed the remains of a Second Temple-era quarry and an early stone tool production facility.

The Staff Officer for Archaeology in the Civil Administration in Judea and Samaria, who works under the auspices of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), oversaw the excavation.

The Second Temple period used stone tools.

Researchers came to the conclusion that the area operated as a center for mining and tool distribution for Jerusalem and the surrounding area after discovering a comparable tool production setup in the same location about thirty years ago.

Second temple site for the production of Stone tools, September 2023 (credit: COGAT SPOKESMAN)

Nearly all Second Temple-era sites in the area have been found to feature various types of stone implements, including cups, bowls, trays, and other objects.

The Staff Officer for Archaeology in the Civil Administration in Judea and Samaria, Benny Har-Evan said of the discovery: "The Civil Administration will continue to work day and night for the preservation of the archaeological sites and finds in Judea and Samaria, which are part of the treasures and culture of the region.

"It is a great privilege to carry out the excavations and discover an ancient and rich world under the soil of the area. We are all getting to know and glimpse a life full of culture and prestige that the area has known throughout the generations, thanks to these extraordinary discoveries."