Located about 25 kilometers from Rome, Ostia Antica was an important port of the Roman Empire, where various communities and religions developed.
Until now, the Jewish presence in the city was known primarily through the existence of a synagogue, but recently, the remains of what may be the oldest mikveh in the world outside of Israel were discovered.
The structure is located in a previously unexplored area of the archaeological site, and although experts initially doubted its function, the discovery of an oil lamp decorated with Jewish symbols, a menorah, and a lulav reinforced the hypothesis that it was an ancient ritual bath.
If its dating between the 3rd and 5th centuries AD, as estimated by Alessandro D'Alessio's team, is confirmed, it would be an unprecedented discovery that would provide new insights into Jewish life in the diaspora during the Roman Empire.
However, some experts have urged caution before confirming the site's function. Michael White, director of the excavations at the Ostia synagogue site, noted that further testing is needed, as baths and pools were common in Roman architecture.