The remains of a 2,000-year-old residential building from the time of Jesus were discovered this week during an archaeological excavation by the Israel Antiquities Authority near the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, according to the Israel Board of Tourism.

The ancient structure, consisting of two rooms and a courtyard, includes a rock-hewn cistern in its center which was used to collect rainwater. The structure was found underneath a 600-year-old wall dating to the Mamluke period. Fragments of Roman-era clay and chalk vessels were found inside the building and are believed to have been used by the ancient Hebrews approximately 2,000 years ago.

"The discovery is of the utmost importance since it reveals for the very first time a house from the Jewish village of Nazareth and thereby sheds light on the way of life at the time of Jesus," says Yardenna Alexander, Excavation Director, Israel Antiquities Authority. "No other settlement remains have been discovered that are attributed to this period."