Israel discovers 1,900
Photo taken on May 5, 2021 shows an 1,900-year-old half-faced oil lamp uncovered during excavations in the ancient Pilgrimage Road at the City of David archaeological site in Jerusalem.(Xinhua/Shang Hao)
JERUSALEM, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Israeli archaeologists have discovered a rare bronze oil lamp meant to bring good luck, the Israel Antiquities Authority said Wednesday.
The lamp, dated at about 1,900 years ago, was uncovered during excavations in the ancient Pilgrimage Road at the City of David archaeological site in Jerusalem.
The artifact was discovered in the foundations of a building upon the road.
The archaeologists said the lamp was intentionally deposited to bring good fortune to the building's residents during the Roman period.
Such foundation and under-floor deposits were prevalent in the ancient world and were intended for luck and to ensure the continued existence of the building and its occupants.
"The offering of this lamp may attest to the importance of the building, which may have been linked to the protection of the Pool of Siloam, the city's primary water source," the archaeologists said.
The lamp was poured into a sculpted mold that was shaped like half of a face of a bearded man with a grotesque appearance. Its tip was shaped like a crescent moon, and the handle like the acanthus plant.
The decoration that appears on the lamp is reminiscent of a common Roman artistic motif, like a theatrical mask.
"The lamp may have been attached to a flat object or wall, serving as a wall lamp, but the possibility that it was used in some sort of ceremonial ritual should not be ruled out," the researchers concluded. Enditem
Related articles
California congressman urges closer consultation with tribes on offshore wind
A congressman who represents California’s north coast has sent a letter to federal regulators asking2024-05-22Huang Delivers Keynote Speech at Virtual Dialogue on Promoting China
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-05-22Draft judicial explanation on marriage released for public review
BEIJING, April 7 (Xinhua) -- China's Supreme People's Court (SPC) on Sunday published a draft judici2024-05-22First National Family Education Publicity Week Launched
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-05-22Brazil replaces injured goalkeeper Ederson in Copa America squad
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazil coach Dorival Júnior has replaced injured goalkeeper Ederson with Sao P2024-05-22Shen Yueyue Calls for Women's Contributions to a Successful Beijing 2022
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-05-22
atest comment