Illuminating History: Rare 1,700-Year-Old Lamp with Jewish Temple Symbols Unearthed in Jerusalem
In a discovery hailed as both historic and deeply symbolic, archaeologists with the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) revealed a stunning 1,700-year-old oil lamp adorned with Jewish Temple symbols. Found in Jerusalem, this rare artifact sheds light on a little-documented chapter of Jewish history in the region.
The Mount of Olives Lamp
Unearthed on the slopes of the Mount of Olives, the artifact has been dubbed “the Mount of Olives lamp” by Excavation Director Michael Chernin. Chernin emphasized the artifact’s importance, explaining that it serves as one of the few surviving testimonies to Jewish life around Jerusalem between the third and fifth centuries C.E.
“After the Roman Emperor Hadrian suppressed the Bar Kokhba rebellion in 135 C.E., Jews were expelled from the city. The Mount of Olives lamp is one of the few material traces of a Jewish presence around Jerusalem from this era,” Chernin explained.
Adding to its significance, Chernin marveled at the lamp’s craftsmanship: “The exquisite artistic workmanship of the lamp, which was found complete, makes it outstanding and extremely rare.”
A Testament to Faith and Artistry
The lamp is classified as a “Beit Nattif” type, named after a workshop near Bet Shemesh discovered in the 1930s. According to IAA research archaeologist Benjamin Storchan, this type of lamp is rarely decorated with menorah symbols, making this find extraordinarily special.
“Oil lamps with menorah decorations are exceedingly rare,” Storchan noted. “The choice of symbols on the lamp is not accidental. This is a fascinating testimony connecting everyday objects to faiths among ancient Jerusalem’s inhabitants. It seems that the lamp belonged to a Jew, who purchased it because of its religious affiliation and memorial to the Temple.”
Storchan also highlighted the meticulous craftsmanship of the artifact, which involved creating molds in two parts for refined and intricate designs. “It is evident that the lamp maker dedicated a great deal of time and effort to its decoration,” he added.
A Symbolic Connection to Hanukkah
The discovery has struck a poignant chord during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, which celebrates the miracle of oil that kept the Temple menorah alight for eight days. Israeli Heritage Minister Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu praised the finding, connecting it to the holiday’s spiritual resonance.
“This unique oil lamp, which in an exciting manner bears the symbols of the Temple, connects the lights of the past with the Hanukkah holiday of today,” Eliyahu said. “It expresses the deep and long-standing connection of the nation of Israel to its heritage and to the Temple’s memory.”
A Window into an Overlooked Era
The Mount of Olives lamp not only captivates with its artistry but also provides a rare glimpse into the lives and faith of Jews who remained near Jerusalem despite Roman persecution and exile. With its menorah motifs and exquisite detailing, it serves as a beacon of hope and resilience—a tangible link between ancient faith and the enduring legacy of the Jewish people.
As archaeologists continue to study this extraordinary artifact, the Mount of Olives lamp promises to illuminate new aspects of history, faith, and the enduring connection of the Jewish people to Jerusalem.
