(Complete Photos) 1500-year-old church found in Israel

Dear viewers, watch the exclusive photos of 1500-year-old church attached with this report. Archaeologists announced on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 that they had discovered a 1,500-year-old church in Israel. A well-preserved mosaic of lions, foxes, fish and peacocks was also found inside the church. According to Israel Antiquities Authority, the Byzantine church was found in the Judean hills, south-west of Jerusalem.

Archaeologists informed that the church was remain active between the fifth and seventh centuries A.D. The church has been excavated from the last two months. Archaeologists believe that Hewn into the rock underneath the structure were used as hidden tunnels by Jewish rebels to fight with Roman armies in the second century A.D.

A small burial cave has also been discovered which might be the burial place of the Old Testament prophet Zecharia, informed some scholars. But the sad news is it will remain visible for another week only. After that it will be covered up again with soil for protection purpose. Though Amir Ganor of the Israel Antiquities Authority informed after obtaining funds, the church will open as a tourist spot.