During the Great Jewish Revolt against Roman rule of 66-70 CE, which culminated in the destruction of the Second Temple, the insurgents waged a guerrilla campaign, often retreating to caves for safety. Archaeologists have just found some of these caves in the Galilee, confirming the descriptions of the contemporary Jewish historian Josephus. Philippe Bohstrom writes:
The sanctuaries in which Jewish rebels hid from the Roman forces 2000 years ago were natural caves in the chalky cliffs, [from which the rebels carved elaborate living spaces] over quite extended periods of time. . . .
Based on Josephus’ writings, the archaeologist Yinon Shivtiel became convinced that the Jews hid in natural caves in the cliff side when fleeing from Roman forces approaching their villages. That may have been a precarious endeavor since, from the bottom at least, the caves can be reached only by rappelling down or by climbing up using ropes or high ladders. . . .
At least some of the caves were huge, as much as four stories in height, and tunnels were carved out of the rock allowing access to other caves. Even balconies were discovered, enabling the cave dwellers to watch out for hostiles.
Another remarkable discovery was six ritual baths . . . that received at least some of their water from still-dripping stalactites. Channels were carved out to the external rock wall, so rainwater runoff could accumulate, and stairs leading to the baths were cut into the rock.
Read more on Haaretz: http://www.haaretz.com/jewish/archaeology/1.744834