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Topics: Archaeology, Religion, History
Archaeologists working in Jerusalem have uncovered a mysterious stone that has stunned experts around the world.
The archaeological find, which features a rare depiction of a seven-branched menorah (a candelabrum used in Jewish worship), dates back 1,500 years and is unlike any artefact previously discovered on Earth.
The stone was found near Motza on the outskirts of Jerusalem.
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The discovery was made during excavations by the Israel Antiquities Authority in partnership with the City of David Foundation.
What makes this stone unique is the engraved image of a menorah with seven branches, the same type that once stood in the ancient Jewish Temple in Jerusalem.
While menorah imagery isn't uncommon in Jewish archaeology, the one carved into this stone has specific artistic features unlike anything that have never been documented before.
MK Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu, the Israeli Minister of Heritage said “The discovery of the stone capital adorned with a menorah provides tangible evidence of the profound and undeniable connection between the Jewish people, Jerusalem, and the Land of Israel throughout the thousands of years."
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The stone is believed to be part of a 'capital', the uppermost part of a column, and was likely positioned in a highly visible location along the road used by pilgrims.
The presence of the menorah image at this site may suggest that the area had strong religious significance. It could have been a meeting place, a rest station for pilgrims, or even part of a ceremonial structure.
The stone itself is made of limestone, a material commonly used in Jerusalem during the Second Temple period.
Though other menorah carvings have been found in synagogues and burial sites across Israel, none have appeared on stones of this kind.
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Most menorah depictions tend to be abstract or stylized, but not this one. Instead it features clear detailing that mirrors ancient textual descriptions.
The capital was uncovered in 2020 by the Israel Antiquities Authority before the construction of a new entrance to the city. The artefact was found lying upside down in the room of a structure dating to the Byzantine period.
The combination of artistic accuracy and archaeological context has left experts with more questions than answers. Was this stone part of a larger religious monument? Was it meant to serve as a symbol of resistance during Roman rule? Or was it simply an expression of devotion from a Jewish artisan?
The capital is now on display in Jerusalem, where the director of the IAA has encouraged the public to come and visit the rare artefact.