Cave
© Ma'an Images
An ancient cave with human remains, three jars and clay bowls estimated to be 4,000 years old was uncovered near the Nativity Church in Bethlehem on Saturday.

A resident was digging the foundation for an extension on his home when he discovered the cave and alerted Antiquities Police. His home, 300 meters east of the ancient Nativity Church, is located in one of the longest-settled districts of Bethlehem and the site of the cave is believed to be the oldest site uncovered in modern history.

Tourism Minister Khuloud D'eibis was called to the site after experts estimated the bones were placed in the cave in at least 2,000 BC. The site will be excavated by state professionals in the coming weeks.

In April, home renovations near Bethlehem University, on the top of Bethlehem's tallest hill and about a kilometer and a half away from the church, unearthed a small underground cave system facing north that held four stone coffins with engravings on each complete with skeletal remains and some pottery. The caves were estimated to be from the Roman era, at approximately 1,800 to 1,900 years old.