A significant archaeological find sheds light on the history of Jewish life in ancient Rome.
Oldest Jewish Ritual Bath Discovered Near Rome
Oldest Jewish Ritual Bath Discovered Near Rome
Archaeologists uncover a mikvah potentially dating back over 1,600 years in Ostia Antica.
Archaeologists in Ostia Antica, Italy, have made a remarkable discovery of what is believed to be the oldest Jewish ritual bath, or mikvah, found outside of Israel. This ancient structure has been tentatively dated to the late fourth or early fifth century and is situated near the ancient port city, known for its historical significance during the Roman Empire.
The excavation team, led by Luigi Maria Caliò, a professor of classical archaeology at the University of Catania, was initially unsure what they would uncover at the largely unexplored site beside a prominent square once bustling with trade and commerce. Instead of the warehouses or port facilities they anticipated, they uncovered the mikvah, a significant symbol of Jewish heritage and ritual practice.
Rome's chief rabbi, Riccardo Di Segni, emphasized the find's importance in understanding the long-standing Jewish presence in Rome, which dates back to the second century B.C. The discovery highlights the interconnectedness of Jewish traditions with the history of Western civilization. Alongside this find, Rome and Ostia are dotted with historical Jewish landmarks, including ancient catacombs, inscriptions, and the remnants of a synagogue in Ostia Antica.
As archaeologists continue their work, this extraordinary mikvah not only represents a significant archaeological triumph but also invites further exploration of the rich tapestry of Jewish history in ancient Italy, reaffirming the longstanding cultural exchange that has influenced both Jewish and Italian heritage over the centuries.
The excavation team, led by Luigi Maria Caliò, a professor of classical archaeology at the University of Catania, was initially unsure what they would uncover at the largely unexplored site beside a prominent square once bustling with trade and commerce. Instead of the warehouses or port facilities they anticipated, they uncovered the mikvah, a significant symbol of Jewish heritage and ritual practice.
Rome's chief rabbi, Riccardo Di Segni, emphasized the find's importance in understanding the long-standing Jewish presence in Rome, which dates back to the second century B.C. The discovery highlights the interconnectedness of Jewish traditions with the history of Western civilization. Alongside this find, Rome and Ostia are dotted with historical Jewish landmarks, including ancient catacombs, inscriptions, and the remnants of a synagogue in Ostia Antica.
As archaeologists continue their work, this extraordinary mikvah not only represents a significant archaeological triumph but also invites further exploration of the rich tapestry of Jewish history in ancient Italy, reaffirming the longstanding cultural exchange that has influenced both Jewish and Italian heritage over the centuries.
