An ancient archaeological site containing Hasmonean-era palace ruins will open to Israeli visitors this weekend, after vandals defaced the location and destroyed artifacts, local officials announced.

Graffiti was sprayed on a 2,000-year-old ritual bath at the Hasmonean Palaces site, and looters crushed a skull believed to belong to a noble from the Hasmonean dynasty, according to the Binyamin Regional Council, which manages the area.

The Hasmonean kings ruled Judea from roughly 140 B.C.E to 37 B.C.E. Jewish tradition celebrates the dynasty’s military victory over Greek forces during Chanukkah.

The site will be open on Dec. 21-22, the final days of Chanukkah , with free admission. The Binyamin Regional Council coordinated the opening with Israeli civil and military authorities and th

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