Israel Cave Linked to John the Baptist

[CVX]

KIBBUTZ TZUBA, Israel (AP) - Archaeologists think they've found a cave where John the Baptist baptized many of his followers - basing their theory on thousands of shards from ritual jugs, a stone used for foot cleansing and wall carvings telling the story of the biblical preacher.

Only a few artifacts linked to New Testament figures have ever been found in the Holy Land, and the cave is potentially a major discovery in biblical archaeology.

"John the Baptist, who was just a figure from the Gospels, now comes to life," British archaeologist Shimon Gibson said during an exclusive tour of the cave given to The Associated Press.

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http://apnews.myway.com/article/20040816/D84GIE8O0.html



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Israeli archaeological site manager Rafi Lewis shows what a team of archaeologists believe to be a Byzantine-era carving of John the Baptist on a wall in a cave on the Kibbutz Tzuba, near Jerusalem, Monday, Aug. 16, 2004. Archaeologists said Monday they have found a cave where they believe John the Baptist anointed many of his disciples _ a huge cistern with 28 steps leading to an underground pool of water. (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer)

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