Unexpected ancient complex emerges near biblical city linked to Jonah and St Peter

The complex was discovered in Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv, according to an announcement earlier in August from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). The excavation was conducted ahead of construction of a new bus terminal.

The site was located near a main road connecting Jaffa, Ramla and Jerusalem.

The complex itself dates back to the seventh or eighth century A.D., during the Umayyad and Abbasid periods.

"The excavation uncovered an organized, planned complex featuring straight, intersecting streets," Yoav Arbel and Lior Rauchberger said, according to the IAA.

"Lining these streets were a series of rooms that served as shops or warehouses, plastered industrial facilities, pottery kilns and more."

"Possibly, it stood on a secondary road branching off from this central route," the directors added. "The area also offered fertile agricultural land and available water sources."

The architectural remains included streets, pottery kilns, shops and warehouses.

Officials from the IAA said the finds also included "numerous bronze tableware and cosmetic implements, iron pickaxe heads, a sickle and numerous nails, dozens of coins and a large quantity of fragments of local and imported pottery and glass vessels.

"Together, these finds provide a vivid reflection of the period's culture, trade and economy," the organization said.

Officials said the complex operated for 150 years before being abandoned "under circumstances that remain unknown at this stage.

"The site was resettled in the 10th century," the release added. "Residential buildings and production facilities were built there, and numerous tabuns - clay-baking ovens - were installed."