Latest news with #IsraelAntiquitiesAuthority
Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- Science
- Daily Mail
Scientists make surprising discovery inside ancient cave burial of 'Jesus' midwife'
For centuries, the Cave of Salome has been revered by Christians as the resting place of the woman who helped deliver Jesus Christ. Constructed around 2,000 years ago, the historic cave southwest of Jerusalem has long been linked with 'Salome', midwife from the Book of James. From the 8th or 9th centuries, Christians flocked to the cave to light oil lamps in a prayer for Salome, similar to how churchgoers today light candles. But now, a controversial study contests this long-held Christian interpretation. In fact, Jesus' midwife Salome may not have been laid to rest there at all, the scientists behind the study claim. Undoubtedly, the name 'Salome' is inscribed in the cave in rock, interpreted as a dedication like an etching on a gravestone. But experts from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) say it might've referred to another woman of the era – a princess of the same name. 'Following the new excavation at the site, and findings at nearby sites, it is suggested that the grandeur burial estate belonged to a member of the royal family,' they say. The researchers describe the Cave of Salome as 'one of the largest and most magnificent burial estates ever discovered in Israel'. About 30 miles (48km) southwest of Jerusalem, it comprises several chambers with rock-hewn burial niches and broken ossuaries (stone boxes), attesting to the Jewish burial custom. Two Greek inscriptions mention the name 'Salome' as the saint to whom the cave was dedicated – widely interpreted as Mary's midwife, as mentioned in the Bible, since the 8th century. According to the scripture, the midwife could not believe that she was asked to deliver a virgin's baby, and her hand became dry and was healed only when she held the baby's cradle. The Bible reads: 'And the midwife went forth of the cave and Salome met her. And she said to her: Salome, Salome, a new sight have I to tell thee.' Old broken lamps also provide evidence that in later years the site was converted into a Christian chapel dedicated to the midwife where people lit lamps in tribute. But the researchers now contest this centuries-long interpretation of Cave of Salome, which was excavated almost entirely in the mid-1980s. While they acknowledge the interpretation of 'Salome' as the midwife, the experts point out 'several [other] possibilities for identifying Salome'. Clay lamps recovered from the burial cave. According to the archaeologists, hundreds of complete and broken lamps were found in the forecourt, 'proving' that the cave was a place of worship for woman who delivered Jesus What is the Cave of Salome? Constructed around 2,000 years ago, the cave of Salome is an extensive Jewish burial cave, one of the most impressive ever discovered in Israel. Over time, the cave became associated with Salome, a character from the apocryphal Book of James who witnesses the birth of Jesus. A later 8th-century Latin tradition held that Salome was Mary's midwife and helped deliver the baby Jesus - but a new study offers other interpretations. Source: Biblical Archaeology The researchers think the burial site was fit for 'a member of the royal family' before it was eventually transformed into a Christian pilgrimage site. They point to the 'exceptional opulence' of the burial estate, described as 'one of the most elaborate burial complexes of the Second Temple period', which includes a a large courtyard at the entrance. 'Given its scale and grandeur, we propose that it belonged to the royal family or, at the very least, to the highest elite of Second Temple period society,' they say. Their leading theory is that it belonged to Princess Salome, the sister of the Judaean king Herod the Great, the cruel ruler who had young children massacred. Also known as Salome I, she was close to her brother but spent her life plotting against a myriad of people, including her sister-in-law Mariamme. Another possibility is that the cave was dedicated to Herod's granddaughter, also called Salome, who demanded the execution of John the Baptist. The researchers seem sure of the Herod connection, because Herod's family possessed 'the necessary economic resources to construct such an estate'. They add: 'Herod is also known to have built several grand structures in other remote locations, such as Herodium and Masada.' Yet another interpretation is Salome was one of Jesus' female disciples, who may have been Mary's younger sister, as referenced in Matt. 27:56; Mark 15:40. It's also worth bearing in mind that the name Salome (or in Hebrew: Shalom or Shlomit) was a common Jewish name in the Second Temple period of Jewish history, spanning roughly 516 BC to AD 70. The study, published in the IAA journal 'Atiqot, present several more possibilities 'for identifying Salome in the Christian realm'. The team conclude: 'The finely hewn ashlars, the monumental stone paving and the decorations on the vestibule's facade and around the cave's entrance testify to the grandeur and high socioeconomic status of the burial estate's owners, raising a question regarding who built this magnificent estate.' However, another archaeologist who was not involved in the study said the alternative arguments are 'interesting but not conclusive'. Boaz Zissu at Israel's Bar-Ilan University told Live Science that the claims demand 'more rigorous evidential support'. Herod the Great ruled the ancient kingdom of Judea from 37BC and was monarch at the time of the birth of Jesus. He has been painted as a monster throughout the Christian world because of his depiction in the Bible, which tells how he ordered the Slaughter of the Innocents. According to the gospel of St Matthew, Herod was determined to hold on to power at any cost. After being told by soothsayers that the birth of a new King of the Jews was imminent, he ordered the massacre of all newborns in Bethlehem to kill off the threat to his authority. Other records, however, do not mention the massacre. And many historians say Herod was a hugely successful ruler who built lavish palaces, sea ports, aqueducts and temples, including the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron and the sea port complex and racing track at Caesaria. The massive stones of the outer wall of Herod's Temple Mount still stand today in the Old City of Jerusalem, where they are known as the Western Wall. He also constructed an elegant winter palace on the slope of Masada, a mountain overlooking the Dead Sea where Jewish forces held out for a year against three Roman legions.
Time of India
20 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
2,300-year-old gold ring found in Jerusalem linked ancient engagement rituals
Image: Eliyahu Yanai A rare 2,300-year-old gold ring embedded with a deep red gemstone has been discovered in Jerusalem's Walls National Park, shedding new light on life during the Early Hellenistic period. Unearthed in the foundation of a large structure, the ring is believed to have belonged to a wealthy resident and may have been intentionally buried as part of a symbolic engagement or coming-of-age tradition. Archaeologists suggest its design reflects long-distance trade influences, pointing to cultural exchanges enabled by Alexander the Great's conquests. The find offers a unique glimpse into ancient customs and global connections. How 2,300-year-old gold ring was discovered in Jerusalem The gold ring was found during an excavation led by the Israel Antiquities Authority. It was located in the foundations of a significant Hellenistic-era building, alongside additional bronze and gold earrings. The presence of such artifacts suggests the structure once housed affluent residents. These findings were part of a systematic dig within the Jerusalem Walls National Park. Archaeologists carefully sifted through layers of soil and debris, eventually uncovering this rare piece of jewellery . The location and quality of the ring indicate it may have held significant personal or cultural meaning during its time, beyond mere ornamentation. A symbolic burial: Engagement or coming-of-age ritual? by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo Dr. Marion Zindel, one of the lead researchers, theorizes that the ring and other items may have been deliberately buried. This aligns with a Hellenistic tradition in which betrothed women would bury personal objects—like jewellery —in a home's foundation to signify their transition from childhood to adulthood. Such rituals were deeply symbolic, believed to bless the home and the individual with prosperity and protection. The act of embedding cherished belongings into the very structure of a house reflects cultural values tied to family, maturity, and continuity. This interpretation offers a personal, human layer to the archaeological context. Cultural and trade influences on jewellery design The ring's combination of gold and colored gemstones points to stylistic influences from India and Persia. Scholars link this trend to expanded trade networks following Alexander the Great's conquests, which opened cultural and commercial exchanges across vast regions. These interactions introduced new aesthetics and techniques to Mediterranean artisans. jewellery from this period often reflects a fusion of East and West—using vibrant stones, animal motifs, and intricate metalwork. The design of this ring may mirror such cosmopolitan tastes, showing how Jerusalem was not isolated but connected to a broader cultural landscape shaped by conquest, commerce, and artistic exchange. Personal connections to the past For some of the archaeologists, the discovery was deeply moving. 'When I held this ring in my hand, I felt part of my history,' said Rivka Lengler, one of the excavators. It's a sentiment shared by many working at the site, as such finds help forge a tangible link to ancient lives and traditions. Handling an artifact worn by someone over two millennia ago creates a rare moment of connection across time. These emotions reflect the human element of archaeology—where beyond the data and analysis lies a profound curiosity and empathy for the people who once lived and loved. A glimpse into Hellenistic Jerusalem These discoveries are part of a broader effort to understand Jerusalem's role during the Early Hellenistic period. The jewellery and building remains not only showcase the city's wealth but also highlight how global influences shaped its material culture and daily rituals. At the time, Jerusalem was undergoing significant cultural transitions, influenced by Greek political and artistic dominance. Excavations in the area are uncovering evidence of a city that was both historically rooted and globally connected. Each artifact contributes to a larger mosaic of life in ancient Jerusalem—revealing how people dressed, built homes, marked life events, and engaged with the wider world.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
A 1,600-Year-Old Byzantine Mosaic Was Just Unveiled at a Monastery in Israel
The Be'er Shema Mosaic is now open to the public for the first time at the Merhavim Regional Council complex in northwestern Negev, Israel, reported the Jerusalem Post on Tuesday. The 1,600-year-old mosaic intricately details scenes of hunting, exotic animals, mythological figures, fruit, and daily life within 55 medallions. Archaeologists have theorized that it was created by a master craftsman due to the small size of the stones, the variety of color, and incorporation of glass and pottery. More from Robb Report Marvel Star Chris Evans Is Asking $7 Million for His Hollywood Hills Home BMW's High-Performance M5 Station Wagon Is More Popular Than Its Sedan in the U.S. A Stately French Normandy Tudor Home in Westchester County Lists for $6.5 Million Though the mosaic dates back to the Byzantine period (324–638 CE), it was unearthed during a 1990 excavation of agricultural areas nearby Kibbutz Urim, situated in the Roman and Byzantine administrative center and fortified village Horbat Be'er Shema. The town was known for its location along an ancient trade route connecting the desert region to Gaza, which was a Mediterranean port city at the time. The mosaic was discovered within a monastery. A large wine press and warehouses filled with jars were also found, indicating that the monastic order may have made a living producing and selling wine. Further excavations were completed under Dan Gazit and Shayka Lander from the Israel Antiquities Authority, before the piece was covered for preservation. 'Over the years, the mosaic floor's state of preservation has deteriorated. Against this background, it was rediscovered, treated and strengthened, and moved from its original location to the council compound in Merhavim,' Ami Shahar, head of the Conservation Department at the Israel Antiquities Authority, said in a statement. 'Now, it is protected from agricultural and development work, and is finally being displayed to the public.' On Saturday, the inaugural ceremony featured local students, as well as the Minister of Heritage MK Amichai Eliyahu and the head of the Merhavim Regional Council Shai Hajj. It has been made accessible as part of the 'Antiquities Near Home' project, co-organized by the Ministry of Heritage and the Israel Antiquities Authority. Best of Robb Report The 10 Priciest Neighborhoods in America (And How They Got to Be That Way) In Pictures: Most Expensive Properties Click here to read the full article.
CNN
4 days ago
- CNN
Gold rings set with garnets look modern but were likely part of a coming-of-age custom 2,300 years ago
Archaeologists in Jerusalem say they have discovered a roughly 2,300-year-old gold ring with a red gemstone that's remarkably similar to another piece of jewelry found less than a year ago. The two rings, small enough to fit a child, were artifacts unearthed at the City of David site in the Jerusalem Walls National Park. The team analyzing the pieces believes the rings may be connected to coming-of-age ritual by young women before marriage, suggesting the items were buried intentionally. Researchers said the rings, along with bronze earrings, a gold earring resembling a horned animal and a decorated gold bead, likely come from the Early Hellenistic Period in Jerusalem. The Hellenistic era, associated with the spread of Greek culture and influence, lasted from 332 to 141 BC in the city. Remarking on the novelty of finding so much gold jewelry from this period in Jerusalem, Efrat Bocher, an excavation manager from Bar-Ilan University and the Center for the Study of Ancient Jerusalem, said in a May 21 statement that '(t)his displayed wealth is very rare in any archaeological layer, and it attests to the wealth of Jerusalem and the high standard of living of the city's residents during this period.' Recovered from the foundations of a large building, both objects were in a layer of dirt dated to the late third century or early second century BC, according to excavation managers Dr. Yiftah Shalev, an archaeologist at the Israel Antiquities Authority, and Yuval Gadot, head of the Sonia & Marco Nadler Institute of Archaeology and professor of archaeology at Tel Aviv University. The discoveries are shedding light on a chapter of Jerusalem's history known primarily from ancient texts, as only a sparse archaeological record existed — until now, Gadot said. The newfound gold ring, set with what appears to be a garnet, was in such excellent condition that excavators first thought it was a modern piece of jewelry dropped by a team member. But Rivka Lengler, one of the first excavators to examine the artifact, recognized its ancient design and called over the rest of the team. 'When I held this ring in my hand, I felt that I could actually touch and connect with the people who lived here thousands of years ago,' Lengler said in a statement. The ring uncovered at the site less than a year ago is also set with a red precious gem and lacks signs of age. 'I was sifting earth through the screen and suddenly saw something glitter,' said Tehiya Gangate, an excavation team member, in a release in 2024. 'I immediately yelled, 'I found a ring, I found a ring!' Within seconds everyone gathered around me, and there was great excitement. This is an emotionally moving find, not the kind you find every day.' Both rings would fit on a woman's pinkie finger at most, but more likely on a girl's finger, the researchers said. Dr. Marion Zindel, an archaeologist with the Israel Antiquities Authority, analyzed the rings and believes artisans made them by hammering thin gold leaf onto metal ring bases. Excavators recovered all the jewelry at the site from beneath the building's floors, suggesting the pieces were placed there on purpose, Zindel said. One hypothesis is that the jewelry was used in 'a well-known Hellenistic period custom in which betrothed women would bury jewelry and other childhood objects in the house foundations as a symbol of the transition from childhood to adulthood,' Zindel said in a statement. Associated with the Early Hellenistic Period, the trend of combining colorful gems with gold was influenced by Indian and Persian fashion and brought to the region by Alexander the Great's eastern conquests, which opened trade channels transporting luxury goods between various regions, according to the researchers. Pieces of jewelry and other finds indicate that the Early Hellenistic Period in Jerusalem was a time associated with wealth and urban planning, but the extent of its residents' prosperity and affluence wasn't previously known, Bocher said. Excavations in the Givati parking lot, located on the western slope of the City of David hill, have been ongoing for years, she said in a YouTube video sharing the discovery. The excavations have been jointly conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority and Tel Aviv University. The team is eager to gain a better understanding of Jerusalem between the first and ninth centuries BC — a period that has been missing from the archaeological record so far — and the city's long, diverse heritage, Gadot said. The items show that the city's inhabitants were open to adopting Hellenistic cultural trends, lifestyle and architecture — which differs from traditional interpretations from ancient texts about Jerusalem. Experts previously believed the city was culturally isolated, rejecting outside influences, based on mentions in ancient texts, Gadot said. But the jewelry, and the customs associated with its burial, changes that assumption, Gadot added. Researchers now have a new way of understanding how the region was changing at the time. With few structures and artifacts from the era, it was easy to assume that Jerusalem was a small town. But the discoveries so far have uncovered an entire neighborhood including domestic and administrative buildings that extended westward from the City of David hilltop, where a Jewish temple once sat, Gadot said. In addition to analyzing the jewelry, the team will also study animal bones, coins and pottery recovered from the site to learn more about interregional connections, the origin of imported goods and even the culinary habits in Jerusalem at the time. The bones could reveal whether inhabitants practiced Kashrut regulations, or kosher Jewish dietary laws, which govern what animals could be consumed, and how they should be prepared and handled. 'We are only now beginning to explore the story of 4th-2nd century BCE Jerusalem,' Gadot said in an email. 'With the Temple at one end and the Hellenic cultural presence at the other end, we want to understand the position of the people living in Jerusalem.'
CNN
5 days ago
- CNN
Gold rings set with garnets look modern but were likely part of a coming-of-age custom 2,300 years ago
Archaeologists in Jerusalem say they have discovered a roughly 2,300-year-old gold ring with a red gemstone that's remarkably similar to another piece of jewelry found less than a year ago. The two rings, small enough to fit a child, were artifacts unearthed at the City of David site in the Jerusalem Walls National Park. The team analyzing the pieces believes the rings may be connected to coming-of-age ritual by young women before marriage, suggesting the items were buried intentionally. Researchers said the rings, along with bronze earrings, a gold earring resembling a horned animal and a decorated gold bead, likely come from the Early Hellenistic Period in Jerusalem. The Hellenistic era, associated with the spread of Greek culture and influence, lasted from 332 to 141 BC in the city. Remarking on the novelty of finding so much gold jewelry from this period in Jerusalem, Efrat Bocher, an excavation manager from Bar-Ilan University and the Center for the Study of Ancient Jerusalem, said in a May 21 statement that '(t)his displayed wealth is very rare in any archaeological layer, and it attests to the wealth of Jerusalem and the high standard of living of the city's residents during this period.' Recovered from the foundations of a large building, both objects were in a layer of dirt dated to the late third century or early second century BC, according to excavation managers Dr. Yiftah Shalev, an archaeologist at the Israel Antiquities Authority, and Yuval Gadot, head of the Sonia & Marco Nadler Institute of Archaeology and professor of archaeology at Tel Aviv University. The discoveries are shedding light on a chapter of Jerusalem's history known primarily from ancient texts, as only a sparse archaeological record existed — until now, Gadot said. The newfound gold ring, set with what appears to be a garnet, was in such excellent condition that excavators first thought it was a modern piece of jewelry dropped by a team member. But Rivka Lengler, one of the first excavators to examine the artifact, recognized its ancient design and called over the rest of the team. 'When I held this ring in my hand, I felt that I could actually touch and connect with the people who lived here thousands of years ago,' Lengler said in a statement. The ring uncovered at the site less than a year ago is also set with a red precious gem and lacks signs of age. 'I was sifting earth through the screen and suddenly saw something glitter,' said Tehiya Gangate, an excavation team member, in a release in 2024. 'I immediately yelled, 'I found a ring, I found a ring!' Within seconds everyone gathered around me, and there was great excitement. This is an emotionally moving find, not the kind you find every day.' Both rings would fit on a woman's pinkie finger at most, but more likely on a girl's finger, the researchers said. Dr. Marion Zindel, an archaeologist with the Israel Antiquities Authority, analyzed the rings and believes artisans made them by hammering thin gold leaf onto metal ring bases. Excavators recovered all the jewelry at the site from beneath the building's floors, suggesting the pieces were placed there on purpose, Zindel said. One hypothesis is that the jewelry was used in 'a well-known Hellenistic period custom in which betrothed women would bury jewelry and other childhood objects in the house foundations as a symbol of the transition from childhood to adulthood,' Zindel said in a statement. Associated with the Early Hellenistic Period, the trend of combining colorful gems with gold was influenced by Indian and Persian fashion and brought to the region by Alexander the Great's eastern conquests, which opened trade channels transporting luxury goods between various regions, according to the researchers. Pieces of jewelry and other finds indicate that the Early Hellenistic Period in Jerusalem was a time associated with wealth and urban planning, but the extent of its residents' prosperity and affluence wasn't previously known, Bocher said. Excavations in the Givati parking lot, located on the western slope of the City of David hill, have been ongoing for years, she said in a YouTube video sharing the discovery. The excavations have been jointly conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority and Tel Aviv University. The team is eager to gain a better understanding of Jerusalem between the first and ninth centuries BC — a period that has been missing from the archaeological record so far — and the city's long, diverse heritage, Gadot said. The items show that the city's inhabitants were open to adopting Hellenistic cultural trends, lifestyle and architecture — which differs from traditional interpretations from ancient texts about Jerusalem. Experts previously believed the city was culturally isolated, rejecting outside influences, based on mentions in ancient texts, Gadot said. But the jewelry, and the customs associated with its burial, changes that assumption, Gadot added. Researchers now have a new way of understanding how the region was changing at the time. With few structures and artifacts from the era, it was easy to assume that Jerusalem was a small town. But the discoveries so far have uncovered an entire neighborhood including domestic and administrative buildings that extended westward from the City of David hilltop, where a Jewish temple once sat, Gadot said. In addition to analyzing the jewelry, the team will also study animal bones, coins and pottery recovered from the site to learn more about interregional connections, the origin of imported goods and even the culinary habits in Jerusalem at the time. The bones could reveal whether inhabitants practiced Kashrut regulations, or kosher Jewish dietary laws, which govern what animals could be consumed, and how they should be prepared and handled. 'We are only now beginning to explore the story of 4th-2nd century BCE Jerusalem,' Gadot said in an email. 'With the Temple at one end and the Hellenic cultural presence at the other end, we want to understand the position of the people living in Jerusalem.'
