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Rare Fourth-Century Oil Lamp Discovered Near Jerusalem
Israeli officials have announced a remarkable archaeological find just ahead of Hanukkah: an oil lamp dating back to the fourth century. This ancient artifact, uncovered during recent excavations near the Mount of Olives, sheds light on the cultural and religious practices of the time.
The lamp originates from the Late Roman Empire and is thought to reference the Second Temple, even though it was crafted over 200 years after its destruction in 70 A.D. Intricate carvings on the lamp depict significant Jewish symbols, including an incense shovel, a menorah, and a lulav, which is a palm frond traditionally used in the Sukkot festival.
Michael Chernin, the IAA Excavation Director, commented on the significance of the find, noting, “The exquisite artistic workmanship of the lamp, which was found complete, makes it outstanding and extremely rare. The menorah, incense shovel, and lulav are symbols associated with the Jewish connection to the Temple.”
Insights Into Historical Jewish Life
Approximately 1,700 years old, the lamp still contains soot marks indicating it was last used nearly two millennia ago. The discovery provides an intriguing glimpse into Jewish life in Jerusalem during a period when the cultural landscape was shifting significantly.
The Israel Antiquities Authority highlighted the importance of the lamp, stating, “This unique find, which, judging by the soot marks on its nozzle, was used for lighting about 1,700 years ago, provides a fascinating glimpse into Jewish cultural and religious life during this period.”
The Context of Fourth-Century Jerusalem
As the Late Roman Empire progressed, Christianity gained prominence, while Roman polytheistic practices declined. Despite this shift, a substantial Jewish population remained in the region and faced considerable persecution. Chernin noted the lamp’s discovery is significant because there is limited knowledge about the Jewish community in Jerusalem during the fourth century.
Historian Chernin elaborated, “After the Roman emperor Hadrian suppressed the Bar Kokhba rebellion in 135 CE, Jews were expelled from the city. The Mount of Olives lamp is one of the few material traces of a Jewish presence around Jerusalem in the 3rd-5th centuries CE.”
Craftsmanship and Religious Significance
The rarity of fourth-century Jewish artifacts near the Mount of Olives adds to the significance of this find. IAA Research Archaeologist Benjamin Storchan expressed amazement at the craftsmanship behind the lamp, noting that the artisan invested considerable effort into its design.
Storchan explained, “The lamp was made using delicately and intricately carved limestone molds using drills and chisels. The molds were made in two parts, upper and lower. To create the lamp, the potter pressed the clay into the molds, then pressed them together.”
There is a prevailing belief that the lamp was owned by a Jew who valued its religious significance and connection to the Temple.
Public Display and Cultural Impact
The oil lamp is now on public display at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for Archaeology in Jerusalem, where it will remain accessible to visitors through the Festival of Lights. This display offers a unique opportunity for people to appreciate a rare piece of Jewish history.
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