'Exquisite' 1,700-year-old oil lamp sheds light on Jewish symbolism
Ancient Oil Lamp Discovery Near Jerusalem
A beautifully decorated 1,700-year-old ceramic oil lamp was found near Jerusalem's Mount of Olives. This lamp, adorned with symbols of the Jewish Temple, was announced by the Israel Antiquities Authority. The discovery coincides with the Chanukah holiday, which celebrates the Maccabee revolt and the rededication of the Second Temple.
Significance of the Lamp
Minister of Heritage Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu highlighted the lamp's connection to Israel's heritage. The lamp features decorations like the Temple menorah, an incense shovel, and a lulav, linking it to Jewish traditions. Excavation director Michael Chernin noted its rarity and artistic craftsmanship.
Historical Context
After the Bar Kochba revolt in 135 CE, Jews were expelled from Jerusalem, making this lamp a rare find from the 3rd to 5th centuries CE. The lamp is a "Beit Nattif" type, crafted using limestone molds. Benjamin Storchan, a research archaeologist, explained the intricate process of its creation.
The lamp's symbols suggest it was valued for religious significance, possibly evoking the lighting of the Temple menorah. It will be displayed in Jerusalem during Chanukah.
Doubts Revealed
Oil Lamp
An oil lamp is a small container that holds oil and a wick. When the wick is lit, it produces light, similar to a candle.
Jewish Temple Symbols
Jewish Temple symbols are special designs or images that represent important aspects of Jewish religion and history, like the menorah, which is a seven-branched lampstand.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is a very old and important city in Israel, known for its religious significance to Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
Mount of Olives
The Mount of Olives is a hill near Jerusalem that is important in Jewish and Christian traditions. It is known for its olive trees and historical sites.
Israel Antiquities Authority
The Israel Antiquities Authority is a government organization in Israel that takes care of ancient artifacts and archaeological sites.
Chanukah
Chanukah, also known as Hanukkah, is a Jewish festival that lasts for eight days. It celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and is known as the Festival of Lights.
Menorah
A menorah is a special candle holder with seven or nine branches, used in Jewish religious ceremonies. The seven-branched menorah is a symbol of Judaism.
3rd to 5th centuries CE
The 3rd to 5th centuries CE refers to a time period from the year 200 to 500 in the Common Era, which is a way of counting years that is used around the world.
Limestone molds
Limestone molds are tools made from limestone rock, used to shape or form objects like pottery or lamps by pouring material into them.
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