Archaeological site of Qumran,artwork. This site is located to the north-west of the Dead Sea,in modern-day Israel,but dates back to the second century BC. It is best known for its proximity to the site where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. Following the discovery of these scrolls,excavations were made here in the 1940s and 1950s. The remains of several rooms were found,including a cistern,bath areas,kilns,and a possible library area. Cemeteries were also found. It is thought the site was inhabited by a Jewish sect called the Essenes,though a later period of habitation as a Roman villa has also been suggested |