Deep beneath Jerusalem’s City of David, archaeologists have unearthed a remarkable artifact – a 2,000-year-old oil lamp unlike any found before in Israel. This unique discovery sheds light on ancient rituals and artistic styles, offering a glimpse into the lives of Jerusalem’s inhabitants during the Roman era.
The lamp, crafted from bronze, depicts a single, grotesquely contorted half-face. Estimated to date back to the late 1st century or early 2nd century CE, it was found during excavations along the historic Pilgrimage Road, a route frequented by Jewish pilgrims journeying to the Temple Mount.
Intriguingly, archaeologists believe the lamp served a dual purpose. Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) researchers suggest it functioned as a “foundation deposit,” a ritual offering intended to bring good fortune to the occupants of a nearby building. This practice, prevalent in the ancient world, involved burying symbolic objects beneath the foundations of structures to ensure their longevity and prosperity.
However, the lamp’s intricate design and well-preserved wick hint at a potential secondary use. The lamp’s head resembles a crescent moon, and its handle takes the form of an acanthus leaf, both elements reminiscent of Roman artistic motifs. Furthermore, analysis revealed the wick, remarkably preserved after millennia, was crafted from flax fibers. Future examination may even yield traces of oil, providing clues about the lamp’s fuel source and potential illumination practices.
“This lamp is a very unique find,” stated Dr. Yuval Baruch and Ari Levy of the IAA. “The fact that it’s only half a face is what makes it so special.” While the exact reason for this design remains unclear, the IAA suggests it might have been a practical consideration, allowing the lamp to be mounted on a wall and function as a sconce.
The discovery location further deepens the historical significance. Unearthed along the ancient Pilgrimage Road, the lamp may be linked to the nearby Siloam Pool, Jerusalem’s primary water source during that era. “The offering of this lamp may attest to the importance of the building, which may have been connected to the protection of the Siloam Pool,” speculate Dr. Baruch and Levy.
This exceptional find adds another layer to the rich tapestry of Jerusalem’s history. The grotesque face lamp serves as a tangible reminder of the city’s Roman past, its unique artistic expressions, and the enduring rituals practiced by its inhabitants. As further analysis progresses, the lamp may yet reveal additional secrets about the lives and beliefs of those who walked Jerusalem’s streets two millennia ago.
Source: The Times Of Israel