Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery in Ostia Antica, Italy, where they may have uncovered the oldest example of a Jewish ritual bath, or mikvah, found outside of Israel. This ancient structure has been tentatively dated to the late fourth or early fifth century, significantly contributing to our understanding of Jewish heritage in Europe.
Professor Luigi Maria Caliò, who led the excavation with students from the University of Catania, initially expected to find remnants of warehouses or ports in this area of the ancient commercial hub. However, the team was astonished to uncover the mikvah in a location that had never been excavated in modern times.
“This discovery is extraordinary because such an ancient mikvah has never been found outside Israel,” commented Riccardo Di Segni, the chief rabbi of Rome. He emphasized the find as a significant addition to the rich narrative surrounding the history of Jews in Rome and Ostia Antica.
The Jewish community's presence in Rome dates back to the second century B.C. The area bears traces of this heritage, including Jewish catacombs, inscriptions from Roman times, and a known synagogue in Ostia Antica. The discoveries could shed further light on the interwoven history of Jews and the broader Roman society during this period, illuminating how faith and culture persisted and evolved in ancient settings.
This archaeological finding not only encompasses religious significance but also emphasizes the historical tapestry of cultural interactions existing in ancient Rome, offering scholars new avenues to explore the dynamic relationships of various communities.
