Ancient burial ground with 100 tombs found in Palestine

Archaeologists have discovered an ancient burial ground that once held more than 100 tombs dating as far back as 4,000 years near the Palestinian town of Bethlehem.
Though the necropolis has been partly destroyed by looting and construction, researchers were able to identify at least 30 tombs.
Located on the side of a hill, the archaeological site - now called Khalet al-Jam'a - was likely a burial ground for a nearby settlement.
Archaeologists found that the cemetery covered more than seven acres and originally contained more than 100 tombs in use between roughly 2200 BC and 650 BC.
"The site's long-lasting utilisation, over a millennium and a half or more, and the large number of tombs, suggest that Khalet al-Jam'a was the necropolis of a major settlement in the area, possibly a town," said Lorenzo Nigro from Sapienza University of Rome.

The finds from the necropolis indicate that the settlement was a wealthy place, with access to trade routes, 'Live Science' reported.
"Typical pieces of the burial sets are finely executed carinated bowls, small shouldered jars/bowls with everted rim(s), one-spouted lamps, huge and well-refined Canaanite jars with two or four handles, as well as bronze daggers and spearheads," said Nigro.
The necropolis of Khalet al-Jam'a is mainly characterised by shaft tombs with single or multiple rock-cut chambers, researchers said.