Yadin’s knack for making discoveries was on ample display during his first foray into the Cave of Letters. Seen here is a hoard of bronze objects found by Pinhas Prusky, a volunteer with Yadin- three shovels (including, at upper right, the one that matches the shovel discovered at Bethsaida); a patera, a pan decorated with a pagan scene (lower left); numerous juglets and bowls and a key (top center). Also found by Yadin on this expedition was a cache of correspondence between Bar-Kokhba, leader of the Second Revolt against Rome (132–135 C.E.), and his local commanders. That discovery gave the Cave of Letters its name.

“Return to the Cave of Letters- What Still Lies Buried?” BAR Jan-Feb 2001.