Israel Ancient oil lamp found during excavations in Jerusalem

SDA

26.12.2024 - 11:28

HANDOUT - Archaeologists have found a 1700-year-old oil lamp during excavations in Jerusalem. The ancient ceramic find is decorated with a menorah - a seven-branched candelabrum - and other Jewish symbols, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced. Photo: Emil Aladjem/Israel Antiquities Authority/dpa - ATTENTION: For editorial use only in connection with current reporting and only with full attribution of the above credit
HANDOUT - Archaeologists have found a 1700-year-old oil lamp during excavations in Jerusalem. The ancient ceramic find is decorated with a menorah - a seven-branched candelabrum - and other Jewish symbols, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced. Photo: Emil Aladjem/Israel Antiquities Authority/dpa - ATTENTION: For editorial use only in connection with current reporting and only with full attribution of the above credit
Keystone

Archaeologists have found an oil lamp dating back around 1700 during excavations in Jerusalem. The ancient ceramic find is decorated with a menorah candlestick and other Jewish symbols, according to the Israel Antiquities Authority. During the Jewish festival of lights, Hanukkah, which began on Wednesday evening, the lamp is to be shown at an exhibition in Jerusalem.

Keystone-SDA

The lamp was found during excavations on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, according to the press release. Traces of soot on the spout indicate that the vessel was used for lighting around 1700 years ago. This provides a "fascinating insight into Jewish culture and religious life at the time".

"The excellent artistic workmanship of the lamp, which was found completely intact, makes it an exceptional and extremely rare find," said archaeologist Michael Chernin.