A 1,600-year-old Jewish bath, also known as Mikube, was recently discovered in Italy. This discovery is the oldest in Europe.
On March 10, Italian officials announced the discoveries that were discovered at an archaeological site in Ostia Antica last summer.
In a statement translated from Italian to English, the Archaeological Park in Ostia Antica described Mikube as “a small semi underground room under the well.”
Photos released by officials show ancient stairs leading to what was once used as a ritual bath. According to the statement, the step shows “significant wear traces” and “two masonry shoulders are pinched,” with the shoulders covered in hydraulic plasters.
“The northeastern corner of the northeastern corner has a masonry hole just above the northern bridge, presumably intended to accommodate a pipeline for water supply,” the statement said.
The recently discovered Mikuba, discovered in Italy, dates back about 1,600 years ago. (Ostia Antica Archaeological Park)
The well is about 3.5 feet in diameter and “probably crowned by a brick ring added later, and certainly intended for groundwater collection.”
When archaeologists delve deeper, they also discovered lamps from the Gregorian calendar of the 5th or 6th century. This is about the same age as Mikube.
The lamp was decorated with images of palm branches related to menorah and luraph, or Jewish holidays Sukkot – and the combination of all the above findings pointed to its use as Mikveh of the site.
“Walls covered in hydraulic plaster, the existence of a collection of groundwater, and the discovery of lamps. Jewish symbols At the bottom of the well… it leads us to assume an interpretation of Jewish rituals as a bath,” the statement said.
Lamps with Jewish symbols such as Menorah and Lerav were also found on the site. (Ostia Antica Archaeological Park)
“It is intended for people to dive for the purpose of purification (but objects), [mikvehs] Generally, as a rectangular basin, it is mostly covered, dug into the ground, covered in hydraulic plaster, with stairs that occupy the entire width, directly or indirectly connected to springs, wells or rainwater collection tanks,” the press release explained.
Mikbe is used by Jews to achieve ritual purity, such as during religious conversion, cooking utensils and wedding preparations. The most recent discovery is the only ancient Roman mikbe found in Europe.
Only other Ancient Mikube In Europe, it is located in the Bianca Palace in Syracuse, Sicily, and “built near a local synagogue between the 6th and 7th centuries,” says Release. It places it in 476 AD, 476 after the fall of Rome.
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There were few ancient mikbes surviving in Europe, but they certainly existed. Historians say that the decline of Mibquez could point to the persecution of Rome by Jews in the first century.
Translated into “Ancient Ostia”, Ostia Antica is an archaeological site of the ancient city of Ostia. (Ostia Antica Archaeological Park)
“It was widely spread in Jews, Galilee and Idumea, especially within residential buildings, especially within the Herodian period, but gradually declined in the first century, in connection with the complete Romanization of the region, following the destruction of the temple in 70 AD and the subsequent reappearance of the Baakokba, until it disappeared almost completely at the beginning of the second century,” the release said.
Italian Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuri said the recent discoveries would “enhance the historical perception of this place as a true intersection of coexistence. Culture exchange, A cradle of tolerance among different people who found unions in Roman civilization. ”
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“It represents something unique about the Roman Mediterranean region outside of Israel’s land, and proves that Jewish presence is at the heart of Roman times,” Ziuri pointed out.
In a statement, Victor Fadrun, president of the Roman Jewish community, said the discovery brought “emotions and pride.”
The Roman Jewish community welcomed the discovery of Mikbe. (Ostia Antica Archaeological Park)
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“It is a sign of a living being, and has been persistent for centuries and is connected to us today,” Fadrun said. “A demonstration of that identity Many generations of Jews I managed to save, protect and strengthen it.
“We would like to thank those who made a decisive scientific and economic contribution to this important outcome.”
