An intricately decorated 1,700-year-old ceramic oil lamp, adorned with symbols linked to the Jewish Temple was discovered during an archaeological excavation near Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced on Thursday.
“This unique oil lamp, which in an exciting manner bears the symbols of the Temple, connects the lights of the past with the Chanukah holiday of today, and expresses the deep and long-standing connection of the nation of Israel to its heritage and to the Temple’s memory,” said Minister of Heritage Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu.
The eight-day holiday of Chanukah, which began on Wednesday night, marks the successful Maccabee revolt against the Seleucid King Antiochus IV and the subsequent rededication of the Second Temple. The holiday is celebrated by lighting a menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum.
The ceramic lamp’s decorations feature the Temple menorah, an incense shovel, and a lulav — the date palm branch used in Jewish rituals during the Sukkot holiday.