Sat. Feb 8th, 2025

Rare oil lamp decorated with the Menorah of the Second Temple of Jerusalem discovered

Model of the Second Temple, Israel Museum. Photo: Leah Jones from Chicago, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.Model of the Second Temple, Israel Museum. Photo: Leah Jones from Chicago, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

On Thursday, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced a new archaeological discovery in the city of Jerusalem.

This is a ceramic oil lamp, which is exceptionally well preserved, suggesting that it was decorated with a Second Temple menorah. 

Decorated with a seven-branched menorah, an incense burner and a lulav, the artifact is believed to date back to the 70th century AD, offering a glimpse into the cultural and religious legacy of Jews following the destruction of the Second Temple in XNUMX AD.

Michael Chernin, director of the excavation, said: “The lamp is a fascinating object that connects everyday life with the faith of the ancient inhabitants of Jerusalem.

For his part, Benjamin Storchan, a research archaeologist at the IAA, explained: “The central design shows a detailed seven-branched menorah with a tripod base, an extremely rare motif that highlights the value of the find.”

The lamp, along with several stone molds used to make similar artifacts, will be featured at the Israel National Archaeology Campus in Jerusalem during special Hanukkah guided tours.

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